The Distillers And Blenders Association Of Nigeria (DIBAN) has raised a dire alarm, stating that Nigeria stands to lose investments worth over N1.2 trillion and witness the displacement of 5.5 million workers if the government proceeds with the ban on sachet and PET bottle alcohol sales.
In a poignant open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, DIBAN expressed profound concerns over the recent prohibition enforced by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
“DIBAN’S investment is worth over N500bn. Indirect investments of other companies having one business or the other to do with DIBAN is also worth over N800bn,” the letter read.
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Highlighting the colossal economic ramifications, DIBAN emphasized that the ban would not only disrupt their operations but also ripple through various sectors linked to their supply chain.
Moreover, the association disputed NAFDAC’s rationale, asserting that there was no substantiated evidence indicating a link between sachet and PET bottle alcohol and the proliferation of hard drugs.
“The alcoholic beverages were not produced or manufactured with hard drugs contrary to the assertion of NAFDAC,” DIBAN stated firmly.
The association further argued that the ban on smaller-sized alcohol containers could inadvertently promote excessive consumption, contrary to the intended goal of curbing underage drinking. They proposed alternative measures such as heightened monitoring and compliance checks to ensure product safety and quality.
“If NAFDAC takes away small sizes, the Agency is simply encouraging excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages,” DIBAN contended.
Urging swift action, DIBAN implored President Tinubu to intervene and lift the ban, citing the catastrophic consequences awaiting both the industry and the broader economy.
They advocated for the establishment of licensed liquor stores by local governments as a regulatory measure, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to address concerns regarding alcohol consumption responsibly.
The ban, which came into effect on February 1, 2024, has sparked a contentious debate between regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders.
While NAFDAC stands firm on its decision, entities like the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have expressed dissent, underscoring the need for a comprehensive dialogue to resolve the impasse.
As the discourse unfolds, the fate of Nigeria’s alcohol industry hangs in the balance, with livelihoods and investments at stake.