The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration’s prohibition on the sale of alcoholic drinks, according to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, will result in the loss of 500,000 jobs in the Nigerian economy.
The PUNCH reported that the body expressed worry about the recent prohibition on spirit drinks in sachets and PET bottles less than 200ml in a statement signed by MAN’s Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir.
It mentioned that in a letter dated November 11, 2018, important stakeholders, including prominent members of the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria, expressed concerns back when NAFDAC first recommended the ban.
Among the concerns expressed by DIBAN in the correspondence was the claim that the packaging of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles was responsible for the reported increase of alcohol use among the underage was unfounded.
It argued that the sale and packaging of alcoholic beverages in PET bottles and sachets is not the cause of the product’s careless usage in terms of amount, drunkenness, or other risks.
DIBAN issued a warning, claiming that the imposition of the ban would harm domestic industry, have a detrimental impact on the country’s economy, and worsen the socioeconomic conditions of Nigerians.
NAFDAF announced the ban on Monday at a press conference in Abuja stating that the that the deadline given to manufacturers of the mentioned products to cease production in sachets and PET bottles, elapsed on January 31, 2024.
“As of January 31, 2024, there is no alcoholic beverage in these categories that are registered by NAFDAC. We want to inform you that the agency has started enforcement actions to enforce the implementation of this policy. The window period given to manufacturers by NAFDAC to sell off all alcoholic drinks in this category elapsed on January 31, 2024.”
