Civil society group Stand Up Nigeria has condemned the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over its plan to ban alcoholic beverages sold in sachets and bottles under 200 ml, warning of serious economic consequences.
At a press briefing in Abuja, the group described the ban as undemocratic, arguing it could cost trillions of naira in investments and put millions of jobs at risk, particularly for small-scale producers, distributors, and retailers.
The criticism follows a Senate resolution passed on November 6, 2025, directing NAFDAC to enforce the ban.
The agency plans to begin implementation in December 2025, with full enforcement expected by January 2026.
Stand Up Nigeria highlighted that the recently validated National Alcohol Policy (October 2025) already provides a regulatory framework emphasizing licensed outlets, monitoring, and public-awareness campaigns rather than outright prohibition.
The group urged the government to engage stakeholders and adopt measures that protect both public health and livelihoods.
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Industry voices back the concerns. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) warned that enforcing the ban could cost ₦1.9 trillion in investments and threaten up to 5 million direct and indirect jobs across manufacturing, distribution, and retail sectors.
NAFDAC, however, maintains that the ban is necessary to curb underage drinking and reduce alcohol-related social risks, citing the portability and easy accessibility of sachet and small-bottle formats.
Analysts warn that enforcement without robust alternatives could disrupt the sector, leading to factory closures, job losses, and potential growth of unregulated markets.