The recent decision by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to ban the production of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small-volume PET bottles has stirred a wave of concern and discontent among employees and business owners in the spirits and distillery industry.
Among those affected is Abiodun Adeyemi, a diligent employee in the audit department of a leading distillery company, who has witnessed a decade of consistent growth and stability in the sector.
Adeyemi, resuming his duty at work as early as 7:30 am, embodies the routine discipline that has defined the industry for years. His role involves meticulous review of policies and procedures, handling staff claims, and ensuring timely payment of field office staff. “In my 10 years here, we’ve never missed a salary payment, always on or before the 24th each month,” Adeyemi told BusinessDay. The firm, with over 4,500 staff (1,500 direct and 3,000 outsourced), has established a reputation for its reliability and fair pay, with minimum salaries starting from N50,000, excluding allowances.
However, the recent NAFDAC move to ban sachet and PET bottled alcoholic drinks has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the industry. “We didn’t see this coming, despite NAFDAC’s campaign against sachet and PET bottles,” Adeyemi expressed his surprise during a BusinessDay interview at a protest in Ikeja. He questions the rationale behind the ban, comparing the situation with cigarettes and other abused substances that remain legal despite health warnings.
Read also: NAFDAC’s alcohol sachet ban threatens N800bn investment – MAN, DIBAN
Adeyemi’s concerns are echoed by Hope Onuba, a devoted mother of three and finance staff at International Distillers Limited. Joining the company in 2005 as a temporary staff member and later securing a full-time role, Onuba has seen her career flourish. “IDL has been more than a workplace for me; it’s where I grew professionally and even funded my university education,” she reflected. The potential ban deeply worries her, as she fears for her family’s financial stability and her children’s education.
Similarly, Nkwor Michael, a maintenance engineer and senior staff association chairman, reflects on the broader economic impact. “With the current economic struggles in Nigeria, this ban could be devastating. We’re talking about potential job losses for over 500,000 direct staff and their families,” Michael said, emphasising the ripple effect on the community and economy.
The crux of the issue lies in the perceived health risks versus the economic implications. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, director-general, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) highlighted the extensive efforts by the industry to promote responsible drinking and address underage consumption, noting that sustaining the ban implies an excess of 5.5 million jobs is at risk of being lost.
“Over N1billion has been spent on campaigns for responsible consumption. Banning these products doesn’t just affect businesses, it affects lives,” Ajayi-Kadir said in his speech at a press conference. The press conference was on the enforcement of a ban on production of Spirit/alcoholic beverages in sachets and less than 200ml pet bottles by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Controll (NAFDAC), held in Lagos.
On the flip side, NAFDAC defends its decision as a collective and long-considered move to protect public health. “This ban has been part of a five-year plan to phase out these products. Our goal is to safeguard health, especially of the youth,” explains Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC Director-General.
Edward Andipe, executive director of Hastelloy Advance, suggests a middle ground. “We need stricter regulation and access control, not outright bans. This way, we protect the youth while preserving jobs and businesses,” he proposed.
