The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) expresses deep concern over the recent ban imposed on spirit drinks in sachets and PET bottles less than 200ml. The ban, which was proposed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has raised significant apprehension within the industry and amongst critical stakeholders.
Going back to the inception of this proposal, key members of the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) raised substantial concerns in a letter dated 6th November 2018. These concerns were echoed by stakeholders and highlighted as follows:
a) The assertion that the segmentation or packaging of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles is responsible for the reported increase in alcohol use among underage individuals is unfounded. Rather, it reflects a systemic issue of wider ramifications. b) Attributing the alleged increase in the use of hard drugs to the production and sales of alcoholic drinks in sachets and small PET bottles lacks scientific or empirical evidence. c) Packaging and sales of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles have not been shown to be the reason for irresponsible use in terms of quantity, intoxication, and other related issues. d) The ban is likely to lead to a surge in black market activities, bootlegging, and the proliferation of fake and adulterated products, posing significant risks to public health and safety. e) Additionally, the ban could have adverse effects on local manufacturing, negatively impacting the economy and the social wellbeing of the Nigerian people.
Despite initial objections, DIBAN participated in the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on the 18th of December 2018, involving key stakeholders such as the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC, now FCCPC). Subsequently, DIBAN actively supported the implementation of the MOU, investing over one billion naira (N1,000,000,000) in advocacy campaigns aimed at promoting responsible alcohol consumption and eliminating underage drinking.
In 2021, a Technical Sub-Committee was established to address gaps identified in the MOU’s implementation and propose evidence-based strategies to tackle alcohol use among underage individuals. The Sub-Committee’s recommendations included enhancing regulatory activities, improving collaboration among government agencies, and conducting further research to inform policy decisions.
All Committee and Sub-Committee members unanimously agreed on the need for collaborative efforts to eliminate underage drinking, enhance regulations, and support the growth of local industries. However, recent developments, including the proposed ban by NAFDAC, pose significant challenges to these objectives.
MAN, therefore, calls upon the government to reverse the ban on spirit drinks in sachets and PET bottles less than 200ml. Instead, MAN advocates for access control measures, tighter regulations, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders to address the issue of underage drinking effectively.
