Civil society organisation Stand Up Nigeria has faulted the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for its planned ban on sachet and small-bottle alcoholic drinks, warning that the policy could cost the economy trillions of naira and threaten over 500,000 jobs.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Convener Sunday Attah described the move as undemocratic, hasty, and illegal, accusing NAFDAC and the Senate of ignoring consultations with key stakeholders despite earlier resolutions with the Health Ministry and House of Representatives.
Attah argued that the directive, which takes effect December 31, 2025, contradicts President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and risks undermining local industries. The group warned that enforcing the ban could lead to the loss of ₦1.9 trillion in investments, mass layoffs, and the collapse of small-scale businesses in the food and beverages sector.
It urged Health Minister Ali Pate to approve the Nigeria National Alcohol Policy and called on the Senate to reopen discussions and hold a stakeholders’ consultation before implementing the directive.
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