5.5 Million Jobs at Risk Over Planned Sachet Alcohol Ban — Beverage Manufacturers Warn!

5.5 Million Jobs at Risk Over Planned Sachet Alcohol Ban — Beverage Manufacturers Warn!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Nigeria’s beverage industry stakeholders have issued a stark warning that the federal government’s proposed ban on sachet and PET bottle alcohol packaging could jeopardize 5.5 million direct and indirect jobs and endanger over ₦2 trillion in industry investments. [1]

“This policy will collapse thousands of MSMEs and displace millions of Nigerians earning a living through legal trade,” said the Beverage Producers and Bottlers Association (BPBA) in a joint statement on Thursday. [2]

Key Details:

• The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) plans to enforce a nationwide ban on alcoholic drinks in sachets and small PET bottles (200ml and below) starting January 2026.
• Manufacturers argue the move threatens livelihoods across manufacturing, logistics, marketing, hawking, and retail sectors.
• They are calling for a moratorium period and dialogue with regulatory bodies to avoid a “social and economic crisis.”

Why It Matters:

• Sachet alcohol is widely consumed, especially in lower-income communities, due to affordability and accessibility.
• The ban targets public health concerns, including alcohol abuse among minors, but raises concerns about economic fallout and enforcement.
• The tension reflects a broader challenge of balancing health policy with economic realities in Nigeria’s informal sector.

What to Watch:

• Federal government’s response — whether it will suspend, review, or proceed with the ban.
• Impact on micro and small businesses that depend on sachet sales for survival.
• Possible protests or legal action by industry groups and trade unions.

Citations:

1. Premium Times: premiumtimesng.com/business/sachet-ban-job-loss-threatens-industry
2. The Nation Nigeria: thenationonlineng.net/sachet-alcohol-ban-puts-5-5m-jobs-at-risk
3. Punch Newspapers: punchng.com/beverage-makers-warn-against-sachet-ban

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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