Sachet Alcohol Ban Risks Five Million Jobs – Nigerian Businesses Warn
Oluwafunbi Bello 
President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Emeka Obegolu
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s organised private sector warns that the renewed prohibition of sachet and small-bottle alcoholic drinks threatens more than five million jobs and puts £1.3 billion in investments at risk, raising fears of regulatory instability in Africa’s largest economy.
President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu, says the sudden enforcement by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) disrupts agreed transition timelines and undermines investor confidence. He acknowledges public health concerns but insists abrupt prohibition harms legitimate businesses across manufacturing, packaging, distribution and retail.
“Nigeria needs predictable regulation to protect livelihoods and sustain growth,” Obegolu says, warning that immediate enforcement could fuel illicit alcohol production and worsen health risks while eroding government revenue.
NAFDAC argues low-cost alcohol access drives youth addiction. However, Obegolu cites a December 2018 memorandum of understanding granting a phased withdrawal until January 2024, later extended to December 2025 after industry consultations. He also references a December 15, 2025, directive suspending the ban and a March 14, 2024, House resolution urging stakeholder engagement.
“Despite these agreements, enforcement has begun without adequate transition,” he says. “Effective regulation should prioritise control and compliance, not outright bans.”
ACCI urges a 12-month extension to December 2026, allowing firms to restructure and clear stock, and proposes a multi-stakeholder implementation committee to balance public health with economic sustainability.
The debate underscores Nigeria’s challenge of aligning health policy with jobs and investment at a time of high unemployment and fragile confidence.
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