The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu, has warned that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)’s renewed enforcement of the ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small bottles could put approximately N800 billion in investments at risk and threaten over five million direct and indirect jobs.
In a statement issued over the weekend by ACCI Media and Strategy Officer Olayemi John-Mensah, Obegolu described the move as economically disruptive and potentially damaging to investor confidence, particularly at a time when Nigeria requires regulatory stability to sustain growth, protect livelihoods, and attract investment.
While affirming support for public health objectives, including the protection of minors and promotion of responsible alcohol consumption, Obegolu criticised the “abrupt” enforcement approach and flagged concerns over regulatory inconsistency.
“The renewed enforcement contradicts existing government directives and legislative resolutions, including the December 15, 2025, suspension by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the House of Representatives’ resolution of March 14, 2024, calling for broader stakeholder consultation,” he said.
Obegolu recalled that in December 2018, NAFDAC, alongside the Federal Ministry of Health, Social Welfare, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with manufacturers to gradually phase out sachet and small-volume alcoholic beverages by January 31, 2024.
The moratorium was later extended to December 2025 following continued engagement with industry stakeholders.
“Despite these agreed transition timelines, the sudden enforcement has begun to disrupt legitimate businesses across the manufacturing, packaging, distribution, and retail value chains, unsettling existing investments and exposing millions of workers to potential job losses,” Obegolu warned.
He cautioned that an outright ban without adequate transition measures could encourage the proliferation of illicit and unregulated alcohol products, undermining both public health objectives and government revenue.
Obegolu called for a measured regulatory approach emphasizing control, compliance, and enforcement rather than outright prohibition.
He urged that the implementation deadline be further extended to December 2026 to allow manufacturers to complete ongoing transition processes, restructure operations, and exhaust existing inventories without economic shocks.
He also recommended the formation of a multi-stakeholder implementation committee, comprising regulatory agencies, policymakers, organised private sector groups, and industry representatives, to ensure coordinated, transparent, and practical execution of the policy.
According to him, such a framework would balance public health protection with economic sustainability, safeguard investments, preserve jobs, and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s regulatory environment.
Obegolu reaffirmed ACCI’s readiness to collaborate with NAFDAC, relevant ministries, the National Assembly, and other stakeholders to achieve responsible regulation that protects consumers while supporting enterprise growth and employment.
