Segun Ajayi-Kadir, the Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has cautioned that the intended prohibition on the manufacturing and sale of sachet alcohol may backfire, resulting in job losses, decrease in government income, and negative effects on public health as consumers may turn to unregulated and unsafe options.
In a discussion on ARISE News, Ajayi-Kadir expressed that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) had made a unilateral decision to set a ban date without collaborating with stakeholders, amidst previous studies and recommendations from critical government agencies that opposed such a move.
“To clarify, we did not agree for this ban to start in December. The interaction has been one-sided between NAFDAC and ourselves. They determined the date and are now enforcing the restriction,” stated Ajayi-Kadir.
He pointed out that the agency’s assertion of acting on legal grounds was misleading, as it disregarded numerous institutional resolutions that opposed the ban.
“What has transpired is that they have overlooked directives from the House of Representatives, ignored the Federal Government's position articulated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and dismissed a collaborative study by NAFDAC and MAN, which showed that a ban was neither effective nor necessary,” he remarked.
Ajayi-Kadir asserted that while the aim of protecting minors from alcohol consumption is important, imposing a ban on sachet alcohol is an overly simplistic approach to a more complicated issue.
“We do not oppose the ban because we believe NAFDAC's concerns are unwarranted. We agree that alcohol consumption among children is unacceptable and should be denounced, discouraged, and penalized. However, this is a separate matter from prohibiting the production and distribution of alcohol in sachets,” he indicated.
He refuted claims that MAN had altered its stance regarding the issue.
“To address the question directly, we have not changed our perspective. We never consented to the ban being enacted on December 31,” he added.
Ajayi-Kadir emphasized that sachet packaging is a legal business strategy aimed at serving low-income consumers and is utilized across various product segments.
“The use of sachet packaging for alcohol mirrors a model employed for many other goods. Items such as milk and various essentials are sold in sachets to reach budget-sensitive consumers. If such products fall into the wrong hands, the solution is to enhance control measures, not to impose a ban,” he explained.
He discussed various access-control initiatives that manufacturers have suggested and, in some cases, implemented in partnership with regulators.
“Products carry labels and stipulations on licensing. There are ongoing campaigns and dialogues throughout the value chain, including producers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers. Traceability is established, so manufacturers are informed about the distribution of their products. Collected data assists in tracking where products are being misused,” he elaborated.
He referenced global best practices and prior recommendations from anti-drug agencies.
“In July 2025, during an MTN initiative against substance abuse alongside NDLEA and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, specific recommendations were made. Worldwide, the primary issue is underage drinking, and the identified solution is to restrict access rather than impose blanket bans,” he stated.
Ajayi-Kadir warned that bans can lead to unforeseen and hazardous outcomes.
“NAFDAC tends to favor options that often result in unintended consequences. Evidence from nations that have implemented similar restrictions shows overall failure,” he remarked.
Using an analogy, he argued that regulatory bodies must tackle issues with precision rather than resorting to blunt solutions.
“In my youth, we had small yet dangerous penknives. If children misused them, do we then ban their production? If your only tool is a hammer, every situation will resemble a nail. That is not the purpose of regulatory agencies,” he said.
Ajayi-Kadir contended that failures in enforcement should not result in the abandonment of effective policies.
“If something is ineffective, innovation is the key. Our industry has made considerable investments in campaigns, educational initiatives in schools, and advocacy efforts. Just because there hasn’t been success does not mean one should resort to measures that will likely be counterproductive,” he insisted.
Responding to fears of deteriorating health outcomes, he underscored that the core issue is poor implementation, not incorrect objectives.
“Persisting in an ineffective manner will yield continued adverse results. The correct method is collaboration, not unilateral decisions. Regulators ought to partner with stakeholders rather than impose set conclusions,” he articulated.
Ajayi-Kadir revealed that even prior studies conducted by NAFDAC recommended against the ban.
“NAFDAC’s own research did not endorse a ban; it advocated for access control since the prohibition would yield counterproductive results,” he stated.
Addressing public demonstrations against the ban, he clarified that MAN was not involved, attributing them to labor unions concerned about potential job losses.
“Those demonstrations were organized by labor unions worried about their job security, which they are justified to be concerned about. In times like these, anyone facing threats to their livelihood will naturally resist such decisions,” he noted.
He cautioned that the ban would adversely impact Nigeria’s economy and promote illicit markets.
“This policy will disrupt livelihoods, industrial development, revenue for the government, and employment opportunities. It would destabilize the market and pave the way for illegal alcohol production. In places like Uganda and Côte d'Ivoire, similar prohibitions have merely directed consumers toward hazardous, locally brewed alcohol with even graver health risks,” Ajayi-Kadir concluded.
He advocated for renewed discussions and urged regulators to endorse evidence- based, balanced policies.
“Regulatory agencies are established for the collective benefit. There needs to be a balance between economic and health considerations that is sustainable, practical, and efficacious. We are dedicated to preventing minors from accessing alcohol, but banning it outright is not the answer. Let's collaborate on this issue,” he urged.
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