The recent decision by the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to ban the production of alcohol in sachets and bottles of less than 200 ml has raised serious concerns from the Association of Alcohol Manufacturers. Nigeria (MAN) and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN).
At a joint press conference in Lagos, the Executive Secretary of DIBAN, John Ichue, called on the Federal Government to intervene to overturn the ban. According to him, this measure risks causing huge losses in terms of investments, raw materials and financial resources, and jeopardizing the livelihoods of 5.5 million people directly and indirectly involved in this sector. of activity.
However, it is worth emphasizing that wine and spirits manufacturers fully support NAFDAC’s efforts to combat underage drinking. They have always insisted on responsible consumption and have carried out media campaigns to raise awareness of this problem. They instead suggest a gatekeeping-based approach to preventing underage consumption, instead of a total ban.
In addition, manufacturers point out that many companies in the sector have taken out significant loans from banks to invest in their activities. Some of them have also stored raw materials for the next few years. Therefore, if the ban is not overturned, more than 25 businesses could be forced to close permanently.
Alcohol manufacturers also point out that banning sachets and bottles of less than 200 ml could lead to irresponsible drinking behavior among consumers who cannot access smaller quantities. They also highlight the fact that wine and distilled spirits have never been identified as the cause of death in people.
NAFDAC’s decision has already sparked concern from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), which believes the ban will have a negative impact on manufacturers, workers, citizens and the economy at large.
Faced with this situation, alcohol manufacturers, supported by MAN, are drawing the government’s attention to the importance of finding common ground to resolve the problem of underage drinking while preserving jobs and investments in the sector.
It now remains to be seen whether the Nigerian government will take steps to resolve this delicate situation and balance the need to combat underage drinking with the preservation of jobs and investment in the wine and wine industry. spirits. In the meantime, alcohol manufacturers will continue to advocate for a gatekeeping approach rather than an outright ban.