The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has raised concerns that the renewed enforcement of the ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small bottles could jeopardize over five million direct and indirect jobs and put about ₦800 billion in investments at risk.
ACCI President, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, issued the warning in a press statement released by the Chamber’s Media and Strategy Officer, Olayemi John-Mensah. While affirming support for public health goals, including protecting minors and promoting responsible alcohol consumption, Obegolu criticised the abrupt enforcement by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), calling it economically disruptive and harmful to investor confidence.
“The sudden enforcement raises serious concerns about regulatory inconsistency and policy reversals, which can undermine investor confidence,” Obegolu said, noting that it contradicts previous government directives, including the December 2025 SGF suspension of the ban and a March 2024 House of Representatives resolution calling for broader consultations.
Obegolu highlighted that a phased approach had been agreed under a five-year memorandum of understanding with regulators, originally set to end in January 2024 and later extended to December 2025. Despite these timelines, renewed enforcement is disrupting businesses across manufacturing, packaging, distribution, and retail sectors, threatening millions of jobs and economic stability.
He cautioned that an outright ban without transition measures could encourage illicit alcohol production, undermining public health and government revenue. Obegolu called for extending the implementation deadline to December 2026 and the establishment of a multi-stakeholder committee to coordinate regulation, balancing public health priorities with economic sustainability.
Obegolu reaffirmed ACCI’s commitment to collaborate with NAFDAC, relevant ministries, the National Assembly, and industry stakeholders to achieve responsible regulation that protects consumers while sustaining enterprise growth and employment.
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