The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has declared that the ban imposed on spirit drinks in sachets and PET bottles less than 200ml by the NAFDAC, is not in the best interests of President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The ban might collapse MAN member industries – under the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), with over 500 thousand workforce, and have invested hundreds of billions of naira not only in the business, but overtime in packaging and distribution.
NAFDAC commenced enforcement of the ban this week, specifically on Tuesday , February 6, 2024, across the country.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, announced the commencement of the enforcement of the ban on the importation, manufacturing, distribution, sales and use of alcoholic beverages in sachets, pet and glass bottles of 200ml and below.
NAFDAC claimed that this is due to the abuse of the drink by Nigerians.
“Due to its small size and affordability, even primary school pupils buy it to drink, and this is affecting their mental wellbeing.
“Also, most drivers at motor parks buy this sachet alcoholic drink and consume it before embarking on their journey, thus putting the lives of passengers at risk.”
MAN, in its reactions to the ban, said ,” We are convinced that this present administration‘s Renewed Hope Agenda will not be best served with this ban.
Segun Ajayi-Kadir, the Director-General of MAN, told journalists in Lagos that if Mr President’s administration is committed to encouraging and strengthening local investors, then this ban should give way to access control.
” At the least, one would expect that NAFDAC should allow due process of full legislative hearings by the appropriate House Committee to take place, so that relevant stakeholders can engage and the public will know the factual, expert and well-informed opinions. Also, the Ministerial Technical Committee should be allowed to complete its work.
” The ban should be reversed immediately and replaced with regulations and access control such as:
a) Establishment of licensed liquor stores/outlets by LGAs across the country;
( b) Suspected underage persons (under 18) should be required to show I.D to purchase alcoholic beverages as practiced in some other climes;
(c) Tighten enforcement by law enforcement agencies . d) Increased monitoring and compliance checks by NAFDAC, FCCPC and others to ensure strict product quality in terms of content and safety. “
“ That attributing the alleged increase in the use of hard drugs to the production and sales of alcoholic drinks in sachets and small PET bottles is incorrect; (no scientific or other studies have proven this claim.”
Build Up To The Ban
Going back in time when NAFDAC first proposed the ban, critical stakeholders including key members of Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) raised concerns in a letter dated 6/11/2018 that included the following:
a) The assertion that the segmentation or packaging of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles is responsible for the reported increase of alcohol use among the underage is unfounded.
Rather, DIBAN was of the view that it is a reflection of a systemic problem of much wider ramifications;
b) That attributing the alleged increase in the use of hard drugs to the production and sales of alcoholic drinks in sachets and small PET bottles is incorrect; (no scientific or other studies have proven this claim)
c) That packaging and sales of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles has not been shown to be the reason for irresponsible use in terms of quantity, intoxication and other menaces;
d) That this ban will certainly lead to black market or bootlegging, influx and proliferation of fake and adulterated products;
e) It will also damage local manufacturing and negatively affect the economy, as well as the social wellbeing of the people of Nigeria.