NECA Calls for an Evidence-Based Approach to Regulating Sachet Alcohol

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association has urged the Federal Government to rely on evidence-based approaches in addressing public health issues linked to the production and sale of sachet alcoholic beverages, cautioning that poorly structured regulations could push the trade into the informal sector and fuel the spread of illicit products.

In a statement, NECA praised the Federal Government for suspending enforcement actions on the proposed ban of sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle products. The association’s Director-General, Adewale Oyerinde, acknowledged concerns about underage drinking and public health, but stressed that policy responses must strike a balance between health goals and economic realities.

“We recognise the importance of tackling public health concerns, particularly those affecting children and young people. However, solutions must be evidence-based and carefully designed to avoid driving legitimate businesses into unregulated spaces or encouraging the proliferation of illicit products,” Oyerinde said.

He noted that the decision to halt enforcement pending consultations and the release of a final policy directive respected resolutions of the National Assembly and helped restore regulatory certainty. Oyerinde also welcomed clarification from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) that any enforcement action by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control or other agencies without proper clearance is invalid and should be ignored by the public.

Highlighting the potential economic impact of the proposed ban, Oyerinde explained that the sachet and PET segment represents a substantial share of the estimated N800 billion invested in the alcoholic beverage industry, supporting thousands of direct and indirect jobs across manufacturing, packaging, logistics, wholesale, and retail.

He warned that sudden policy shifts could intensify job losses at a time when unemployment remains high and business costs are rising. “In an economy already under pressure from unemployment and escalating operating costs, abrupt measures that threaten jobs and legitimate investments would be counterproductive,” he said. He added that NECA looked forward to more extensive consultations to safeguard jobs, livelihoods, and lawful investments while ensuring that public health objectives are achieved in a sustainable manner.

NECA’s position followed a directive from the OSGF suspending all enforcement actions related to the proposed sachet alcohol ban until further notice. The suspension came after a letter from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drug Administration and Control concerning the planned enforcement by NAFDAC.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the OSGF, Terrence Kuanum, the office said the correspondence dated November 13, 2025, and signed by the committee’s deputy chairman, Uchenna Okonkwo, was still under review.

According to the OSGF, the issue is being considered in line with its statutory role as coordinator of government policy. It directed that all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures connected to the proposed ban be suspended until consultations are concluded and a final directive is issued. The office further clarified that any enforcement carried out by NAFDAC or other agencies without its approval has no effect and should be disregarded.

The OSGF assured Nigerians that legislative resolutions, economic implications, public health concerns, and the broader national interest are being carefully examined, and that the public will be informed once a final decision is made.