The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) is advocating for an urgent reversal of the recent ban imposed on sachet and pet bottle spirit drinks. The industry body emphasizes the need for quick action to address the implications of the prohibition.
In response to the ban, MAN has expressed concern about the potential impact on the manufacturing sector and the overall economy. The association highlights the importance of a prompt resolution to mitigate any adverse effects on businesses involved in the production of sachet and pet bottle spirit drinks.
MAN’s call for an immediate reversal underscores the urgency of addressing the challenges posed by the ban. The association urges relevant authorities to reconsider the decision in light of its potential repercussions on manufacturers, distributors, and other stakeholders in the industry.
The association emphasizes the significance of open dialogue and collaboration between industry players and regulatory bodies to find a balanced solution that considers both public health concerns and the economic well-being of the manufacturing sector. MAN is committed to actively engaging with stakeholders to explore alternatives that align with regulatory objectives while minimizing the negative impact on businesses.
Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, noted that important stakeholders, including prominent members of the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), voiced concerns in a letter dated June 11, 2018, when the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) first proposed the ban.
According to MAN, DIBAN stated at the time that NAFDAC’s claim that the claimed rise in underage alcohol consumption is due to the packaging of alcoholic beverages in PET bottles and sachets is untrue and instead represents a systemic issue with far wider implications.
The producers further contended that it was untrue to link the purported rise in the use of hard drugs to the manufacture and distribution of alcoholic beverages in sachets and tiny PET bottles, and that these factors have never been the cause of careless use in terms of quantity, inebriation, or other dangers.
The DG made the point that the prohibition will only serve to fuel bootlegging, the influx and spread of phony and contaminated goods, harm local industry, have a detrimental impact on the nation’s economy, and undermine people’s social welfare.
He said that DIBAN added that they had taken part in the creation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which was signed on December 18, 2018, with reservations, by the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, CPC (now FCCPC), the Association of Food, Beverages, and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), and themselves. This was in spite of previous objections.
According to Ajayi-Kadir, DIBAN started intensive advocacy, messaging, training, education, and other responsibilities after the Memorandum of Understanding was signed. The Committee was established, and more than N1 billion was spent on various campaigns to ensure that underage alcohol consumption is zero and to encourage adult consumption of alcohol in moderation.
He continued by saying that the committee has implemented a strategic plan to guarantee cooperation at all levels in order to eradicate underage drinking, encourage adult responsibility, and safeguard and expand the local industries.
“The plan was developed to determine the factors that contribute to underage drinking and irresponsible alcohol consumption. It also aimed to strengthen regulatory activities by strengthening implementation structures through effective collaboration, ensuring sustainability, and generating evidence through effective monitoring and evaluation for learning and accountability.”
“Among the main initiatives were the unification of all pertinent laws and regulations pertaining to alcohol and alcohol consumption, the enhancement of oversight over registered and imported alcoholic beverages, particularly spirits, the closure of unregistered alcoholic beverage factories and warehouses, and the observation of advocacy, sensitization campaigns, and committee and regulatory activities.”
“All of us felt that cooperative efforts were necessary to end underage drinking and alcohol use; better rules supported by informed policy rather than a blanket prohibition on the manufacture and distribution of beverages in sachet and PET bottles; the sale of alcoholic beverages should be limited to on- and off-license stores; and ALGON should be reinforced to supervise the procedure. We also decided that government assistance was needed to safeguard and encourage the expansion of regional businesses and employment opportunities through trade balance, prohibition of phony, counterfeit, and unhealthy alcoholic beverages, and stringent oversight and assessment of all committee member organizations’ activities.”
