By Abuja’s Folarin Kehinde
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has warned that the renewed enforcement of the ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small bottles could threaten over five million direct and indirect jobs and put about ₦800 billion in investments at risk.
In a news release from the Chamber’s Media and Strategy Officer, Olayemi John-Mensah, ACCI President Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, expressed concern.
At a time when Nigeria needs regulatory stability to enable growth and job creation, he characterized the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s (NAFDAC) conduct as possibly harmful to investor confidence and economically disruptive.
Obegolu expressed concern about what he called the “abrupt manner of enforcement,” even as he affirmed ACCI’s support for public health goals, such as protecting minors and encouraging responsible alcohol consumption.
The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) directive from December 15, 2025, which suspended the ban, and the House of Representatives resolution from March 14, 2024, which called for moderation and more extensive stakeholder consultations, are two examples of government directives and legislative resolutions that he claims the renewed action violates.
“The sudden enforcement raises serious concerns about regulatory inconsistency and policy reversals, which can undermine investor confidence,” Obegolu said.
He recalled that in December 2018, a five-year Memorandum of Understanding was signed by NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) with manufacturers to gradually phase out sachet and small-volume alcoholic beverages by January 31, 2024.
He noted that the moratorium was later extended to December 2025 following sustained engagement with industry stakeholders.
“Despite these agreed transition timelines, the renewed enforcement is already disrupting legitimate businesses across manufacturing, packaging, distribution and retail value chains, exposing millions of Nigerians to potential job losses,” he stated.
Obegolu warned that a complete prohibition without sufficient transitional measures might promote the growth of illegal and unregulated alcohol products, undermining public health goals and lowering government revenue.
He stressed that effective regulation should prioritise control, compliance and enforcement rather than outright prohibition.
The ACCI president called for a further extension of the implementation deadline to December 2026 to allow manufacturers to complete transition processes, restructure operations and exhaust existing inventories without inflicting avoidable economic shocks.
In order to guarantee coordinated, transparent, and useful implementation of the policy, he also supported the creation of a multi-stakeholder implementation committee made up of pertinent regulatory bodies, legislators, organized private sector organizations, and business owners.
He claims that such an inclusive framework would protect investments, maintain employment, and boost trust in Nigeria’s regulatory framework while striking a balance between economic sustainability and public health protection.
Obegolu reiterated that ACCI is prepared to work with NAFDAC, pertinent ministries, the National Assembly, and other interested parties to accomplish responsible regulation that safeguards consumers while maintaining business expansion and employment.
