Executive Secretary Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Solomon Adebosin has stated that Nigeria’s alcohol sachet ban risks destroying local businesses and putting thousands of workers out of jobs, urging authorities to prioritise dialogue and community-based regulation over blanket restrictions.
Speaking In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, Adebosin argued that regulatory action should focus on moderation and enforcement rather than outright prohibition, stressing the economic and social implications for indigenous producers.
“NAFDAC came up with the claim that the essential alcohol is not good. However, we must also state here clearly that there is no alcohol company in Nigeria that was not certified. All the products were certified by NAFDAC. So NAFDAC cannot claim to say that the products that they certified are no longer good. Because when you just have it in bits, you take it and then you are okay. Because now you are not compelled to now take more than. Because what we always talk about and advocate for is drink responsibly. Drink in moderation. It is in this form, I guess, for someone to just take it and then you are okay. Rather than having a big virus that is going to be taking a long time.”
Adebosin highlighted the economic impact of banning sachets, pointing out that local producers employ thousands and contribute to Nigeria’s investment climate. “Indigenous Nigerians are putting a lot of money to be able to set up these companies and then give employment to Nigerians. Directly and indirectly. By shutting it down, you are going to be affecting that. You are going to see the idea of the president of the federal government saying we want to get foreign direct investment. When foreign investors see the way local investors are being treated, I’m not going to encourage them to say they want to come and invest in Nigeria.”
He stressed that certified alcohol products are not adulterated and urged regulators to avoid policies that could discourage local entrepreneurship. “Because the products that people are bringing out are products certified by NAFDAC. So it is not adulterated. The challenge we have is that when you come against these products like this, which are made by indigenous Nigerians. If you keep on going like this, those who are in logistics, those who are printing, those who are doing the cotton and everything, everybody is going to be affected. That is why we say that the value chain has a lot of impact on the value chain.”
Adebosin also criticised the blanket ban approach, advocating for consultation and regulatory oversight to address misuse. “We can have a dialogue on this. We can look at different ways of solving this issue. The issue should not just be a ban. Everything Nigeria wants and something that the first attempt to do is to ban it. We should not be thinking of a ban as the first response. We can be able to have a dialogue and then provide different suggestions and a way out of this.”
He reiterated that accessibility alone does not mean the products are dangerous and emphasised a community-focused strategy. “As long as we make it easier to stash it, it becomes easier to consume. So, we have to make it as a community to be able to ensure. Anything that you do that is in excess is going to be dangerous to you. Even if you drink water in excess, it’s dangerous to you.”
Adebosin concluded by warning that sudden policy shifts against local producers could have a ripple effect across the entire industry. “If you are not careful, you are discouraging local manufacturers. Because of the employment that you are able to produce and provide. If you keep on going like this, those who are in logistics, those who are printing, those who are doing the cotton and everything, everybody is going to be affected. That is why we say that the value chain has a lot of impact on the value chain.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
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