, stakeholders in the industry and consumer rights group have staged protests in Lagos and Abuja against the NADFAC’s ban, emphasising that the policy could displace more than 5.5 million Nigerians from their jobs.
Alcohol strength is measured globally using Alcohol by Volume, ABV, and the products in question fall within internationally recognised ranges for spirits.
Meshioye urges the government to prevail on the regulator to suspend the ban, because, “When manufacturing thrives, Nigeria thrives..when manufacturing wins, government wins.”
The MAN leader urged the government to intervene and instruct NAFDAC to cease disrupting member activities and to abide by the suspension of the ban.
Of Nigeria’s 14 industrial zones, activity levels in Abuja declined to 36.7% from 39.5%; Bauchi/Benue and Plateau dropped from 36.2% to 35.8%, while Kwara/Kogi decreased from 57.8% to 52.6%
Smatt-Oyerinde said that the government and the regulators should be worried about the rate of unemployment, worried about the business investment that will be lost and ; worried about the consequences of the message we are communicating to other investors.”
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, Oyewole said that the ban would significantly benefit local manufacturers by retaining critical raw materials within the country, thereby improving access to wood for processors and furniture makers.
The ban is expected to affect exporters and timber traders, particularly in forest-producing states, though the government has yet to outline enforcement mechanisms, penalties, or whether exemptions will apply to processed wood products.
The breakdown of the manufacturing sector showed better performance across the food & beverage, cement, and plastic & rubber products sub-sectors.
The government should attract investment in new refineries to ensure long-term energy security and promote competition.
