By Kalu Obasi Benjamin
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) is sounding the alarm over NAFDAC’s recent crackdown on sachet and small-bottle alcohol. ACCI President, Chief Emeka Obegolu, warns that this sudden enforcement could wipe out five million jobs and flush ₦800 billion in investments down the drain.
While the chamber supports public health, they argue that the timing couldn’t be worse for Nigeria’s fragile economy.
The main issue is a major “regulatory whiplash.” Even though there was an old plan to phase these products out, recent directives from the government and the House of Representatives had actually called for the ban to be suspended.
NAFDAC is accused of being inconsistent, which scares away investors who need stable rules to do business.The industry isn’t asking to scrap the ban forever; they just need more time.
Manufacturers originally had a roadmap to transition away from sachets by 2025, and the ACCI is now pushing to move that deadline to December 2026. This extra year would give companies the breathing room to redesign their packaging and sell off their current stock without going bankrupt.
Beyond the job losses, there is a hidden danger to public health. The ACCI warns that if legal, regulated sachet alcohol disappears overnight, the market will likely be flooded with dangerous, “fake” moonshine. Instead of making people safer, an outright ban might drive the industry underground where there are no safety checks and no tax revenue for the government.
To fix the standoff, the ACCI is calling for a “team effort” approach. They want a committee made up of government officials and business leaders to work together on a transition that protects kids and health without destroying livelihoods. Their goal is a balanced solution that keeps Nigerians employed while promoting responsible drinking.
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