Cynthia Ezegwu
The Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB) has warned that Nigeria could lose over N2 trillion in investments if the planned ban on sachet alcoholic drinks and alcoholic beverages in PET or glass bottles below 200ml is enforced by December 31.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, FOBTOB President Jimoh Oyibo said the ban could have severe economic and social consequences, potentially affecting approximately 5.5 million jobs across the sector, including both direct and indirect employment.
Oyibo urged the Senate to conduct a public hearing before enforcing the ban, allowing all stakeholders to present their views and avoid widespread disruption. He cited a similar ban imposed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) last year, which was suspended following labour protests and a public hearing by the House of Representatives. That process led to a directive for NAFDAC to engage manufacturers and review its approach.
The union president emphasised that the validated National Alcohol Policy, developed in October 2025 with NAFDAC’s involvement, provides a multi-sectoral framework to regulate the industry without jeopardising livelihoods.
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Oyibo warned that enforcing the ban could result in the collapse of indigenous manufacturers, discourage future investment, increase smuggling and circulation of unregulated alcoholic products, reduce government tax revenue, and exacerbate unemployment, potentially plunging families into poverty.
“Government must consider the entire alcoholic beverage value chain, including formal and informal workers and local manufacturers, before any enforcement action. The very children the policy claims to protect may be forced out of school if their parents lose their jobs,” Oyibo added.
The union’s warning comes as lawmakers and regulatory agencies prepare to implement the ban, which has sparked debate over its economic and social impact on Nigeria’s beverage industry.