The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has cautioned that the renewed enforcement actions by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) against sachet and small-volume alcoholic beverages could produce far-reaching unintended consequences for the Nigerian economy, employment, and consumer safety.
MAN expressed concern that the enforcement drive, which targets the production, distribution, and sale of sachet and small PET-bottled alcohol, is being carried out amid unresolved policy inconsistencies and ongoing stakeholder engagements. According to the association, the move risks destabilising a sector that supports thousands of jobs across manufacturing, distribution, and retail value chains.
Speaking on the issue, MAN Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, noted that manufacturers were surprised by the intensity of NAFDAC’s actions, especially given previous interventions by the Federal Government and the National Assembly that called for a suspension of enforcement pending broader consultations. He said the lack of regulatory clarity has created uncertainty for businesses already struggling with rising production costs and a difficult operating environment.
MAN recalled that the House of Representatives had earlier urged NAFDAC to halt enforcement of the sachet alcohol ban following stakeholder hearings, while a directive from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation also advised restraint. The association argued that proceeding with enforcement in spite of these developments sends conflicting signals to investors and manufacturers.
Beyond policy inconsistency, MAN warned that the crackdown could negatively affect indigenous producers who dominate the sachet and small-bottle alcohol segment. The association stressed that many of these companies rely on the format to serve low-income adult consumers and to remain competitive in a market already pressured by inflation, forex volatility, and high energy costs.
The association further cautioned that a sudden restriction of regulated sachet alcohol products could unintentionally expand the market for illicit and unregulated alcohol. MAN argued that when legal options are removed without adequate transition plans, consumers may turn to unsafe alternatives that fall outside regulatory oversight, posing even greater public health risks.
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MAN also highlighted the potential loss of government revenue if legitimate producers are forced to scale down operations or shut production lines. According to the association, excise duties, taxes, and licensing fees from compliant manufacturers contribute significantly to public revenue, which could decline if enforcement continues without a balanced framework.
While acknowledging the public health concerns raised by regulators, MAN maintained that packaging size alone is not the root cause of alcohol misuse. The association advocated for stronger enforcement of age restrictions, consumer education, and responsible drinking campaigns as more effective measures than an outright or rushed crackdown on specific product formats.
NAFDAC, on its part, has defended the enforcement as part of its mandate to protect public health, citing concerns about underage access to alcohol and the social impact of cheap, easily accessible alcoholic products. The agency insists that its actions are aligned with existing regulatory provisions and legislative resolutions.
However, industry stakeholders insist that sustainable regulation must strike a balance between public health objectives and economic realities. MAN has therefore called on the Federal Government to urgently harmonise policy positions, engage all stakeholders, and provide a clear, predictable regulatory pathway for manufacturers.
As the debate continues, the situation underscores broader challenges in Nigeria’s regulatory landscape, where overlapping directives and abrupt enforcement actions often place businesses at risk. For manufacturers, workers, and consumers alike, MAN says a consultative and evidence-based approach remains the best path to achieving both public health protection and economic stability.
