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NAFDAC’s Ban on sachets alcohol: the economy repercussions, by MAN

The Association emphasised that the ban would likely lead to the “Loss of over N1.9 trillion in investments, primarily from indigenous Nigerian companies.

Published

7 months ago

November 13, 2025

OCHEFA

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The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has said that the government’s move to ban the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small PET bottles, effective December 31, 2025, will have severe repercussions on the economy.

” This announcement by the NAFDAC, in our view, is counterproductive and threatens to disrupt the economy significantly at a time when it is beginning to stabilise,” said the Association through its Director-General, Ajayi-Kadir.

The Association emphasised that the ban would likely lead to the “Loss of over N1.9 trillion in investments, primarily from indigenous Nigerian companies.

• Mass retrenchment of over 500,000 direct employees and approximately 5 million indirect employees through contracts, marketing, and logistics.”

Ajayi-Kadir said that the earlier directive from the Ministry of Health for a one-year extension, which included the consideration and validation of the draft National Alcohol Policy by stakeholders, should have been taken into account before any significant announcement from another government body.

“We believe that a consultation with whether through a public hearing or focused meetings with relevant parties in the alcohol beverage industry, should have been conducted by the appropriate Senate Committee before an outright ban was imposed.

This approach was successfully followed by the House of Representatives in the recent past,” he stated.

Ajayi-Kadir highlighted that issues related to the ban on alcohol in sachets and small PET bottles were addressed by a broad committee that included all stakeholders, along with NAFDAC representatives, who validated the National Alcohol Policy in October 2025. The committee made the following key recommendations:

• Develop multi-sectoral action plans.- Strengthen enforcement by law enforcement agencies

• Establish licensed liquor stores/outlets in Local Government Areas nationwide.

• Increase monitoring and compliance checks by NAFDAC, FCCPC, and others to ensure product quality and safety.

• Regulatory bodies should focus more on regulation, monitoring, and educational campaigns to inform stakeholders and the public about the dangers of underage alcohol consumption and its sale in motor parks.

• Conduct educational campaigns in secondary schools across the country to raise awareness among students about the dangers and issues related to alcohol abuse.

Furthermore, we would like to note that the unfounded and untested claim of abuse by minors has been challenged by several independent studies conducted by the government.

The industry has proactively launched campaigns promoting responsible alcohol consumption to discourage underage abuse, resulting in expenditures exceeding one billion Naira on media outreach across the nation, which has effectively just underage drinking.

Ajayi-Kadir also stressed that the Senate’s directive for an outright ban is unjust and does not reflect the industry’s true conditions, as it seems the upper chamber has only considered NAFDAC’s perspective.

NAFDAC was part of the validation organised by the Ministry of Health, and it should have presented its views to the Committee and the Ministry during that process, rather than circumventing these channels and approaching the National Assembly without consulting other stakeholders.

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FG Plans to Extend Lagos Rail Line to Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminals

Keyamo noted that Lagos accounts for 67 per mcent of passenger traffic through Nigeria’s airports.

Published

9 hours ago

June 10, 2026

OCHEFA

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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced at the ongoing Invest in Lagos 3.0 summit, that the federal government has concluded arrangements to extend the existing Lagos rail network to the domestic and international terminals of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA).

The move is aimed at improving connectivity and strengthening Lagos’ position as an aviation hub in Africa.

He said discussions between his ministry and the state government are ongoing.

The extension will link the rail line that currently terminates at Ikeja Bus Stop to the airport.

According to Keyamo, the line will pass through the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), continue to the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), and end at the international terminal.

“That rail line is about to start. It is the extension of the rail line. So, Lagos is just ready for the next big step in terms of its aviation activities,” the minister said.

The project is expected to ease access to Nigeria’s busiest airport. It also supports the government’s ambition to position Lagos as a major aviation and logistics hub on the continent.

The proposed link will complement Lagos’ expanding rail network.

Last month, the Lagos State Government said the Blue Line carried about 3.5 million passengers in 2025, with daily ridership rising to 15,000 commuters. Work continues on its extension to Okokomaiko and expansion of services on the Red Line.

Keyamo noted that Lagos accounts for 67 percent of passenger traffic through Nigeria’s airports.

He argued that the state’s location gives it a natural advantage to compete with established aviation hubs.

“Just six hours across the Atlantic, you will get to South America from the Lagos airport. Six hours down, you will get to Southern Africa. Six hours to the Middle East, you will get to Dubai or Qatar. Six hours up, you will get to Europe, either France or London.

That is the equidistant advantage that Lagos provides as a hub for the whole of Africa. We will soon catch up with hubs like Addis Ababa and Lome,” he said.

The minister also highlighted ongoing investments in airport infrastructure under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He said about $500 million has been committed to reconstructing and modernising the international terminal at Lagos airport.

The investment will transform the ageing facility into a modern airport capable of handling growing passenger and cargo traffic.

Keyamo added that the federal government has expanded Nigeria’s international airport network. Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo and Maiduguri International Airport have been designated as international airports, bringing the total to seven.

He said the resolution of the long-running dispute between BASL and the federal government shows the administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for private sector participation in aviation.

He urged local and foreign investors to explore opportunities in the sector, including the proposed airport project in the Lekki-Epe corridor promoted by the Lagos State Government.If implemented, the airport rail extension will provide direct rail access to the country’s busiest aviation gateway.

It will complement ongoing investments in Lagos’ mass transit system and support broader efforts to improve mobility in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

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Exchange Rates Today, Wednesday 10 June, 2026

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June 10, 2026

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Invest in Lagos 3.0 Summit Attracts more than 600 delegates

Ohibaba.com reports that the summit, themed “Lagos: The Business Gateway to Africa,” featured presentations from representatives of the Presidency and the governors of Lagos, Imo, Abia, Plateau, Taraba and Nasarawa states.

Published

13 hours ago

June 10, 2026

OCHEFA

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• Representatives of government and private sector delegates at the summit

Invest in Lagos 3.0 Summit attracted more than 600 delegates—including global institutions, sovereign wealth funds, development finance institutions and trade networks.

The host governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, called for increased private sector investment in rail transport, energy, agriculture, agro-processing and water infrastructure.

He said that addressing transportation challenges would unlock Lagos’ economic potential, reduce travel time, boost productivity and improve returns on investment.

Minister of Finance, Dr. Taiwo Oyedele, assured investors of the Federal Government’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment through ongoing fiscal reforms. He said the new tax law has eliminated multiple taxation, improved compliance and provided relief for small and medium enterprises.

Oyedele added that stamp duty collection has been transferred to state governments and commended states that have adopted harmonised tax systems.