Retailers Protest Enforcement of Sachet Alcohol Ban

Fast-moving consumer goods retailers across Nigeria are expressing concern over mounting losses following the enforcement of the ban on sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks sold in glass bottles below 200ml.

The enforcement is being led by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), following an agreement reached in January 2018 between NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health and the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers.

Under the agreement, manufacturers were given five years to phase out small-volume alcoholic products.

The deadline expired on January 31, 2024.
NAFDAC says the restriction is necessary to protect public health, noting that inexpensive and easily portable alcoholic drinks are readily accessible to underage persons, commercial drivers and manual workers.

The agency has linked the widespread availability of such products to substance abuse, road accidents and long-term health complications.

However, retailers say the enforcement is worsening the difficulties already facing small businesses because of the current economic climate.

They complained that the seizure of their goods has disrupted their daily income and forced some small shops and kiosks to close.

During a protest in Ibadan, Oyo State, petty traders said the confiscation of their products had caused significant financial losses because the seized goods represented money invested in their businesses.

Speaking at the NAFDAC South-West Zonal Office in Ibadan, Oluwatosin Adebisi, spokesperson for the Concerned Drink Sellers, Distributors and Traders Across Nigeria, said many traders were struggling to repay loans taken to establish their businesses.

Adebisi appealed to President Bola Tinubu, NAFDAC Director-General Professor Mojisola Adeyeye and members of the various State Houses of Assembly to intervene.

He said the traders were not responsible for supplying alcohol to minors, stressing that their livelihoods should not be destroyed because of the actions of others.

The association also argued that its members take steps to prevent minors from purchasing alcoholic products.

One of the retailers, Adekemi Lateef, said parents should also take responsibility for preventing children from gaining access to alcohol.

Another trader, Bukola Ayeni, said the enforcement had left several shops empty and affected major markets that depend on the distribution of alcoholic beverages.

The traders therefore appealed to the Federal Government and NAFDAC to consider their economic situation and provide a solution that would protect public health without destroying the livelihoods of small-scale retailers.

Responding to the protesters, Isaac Kolawole, Deputy Director and Head of the NAFDAC South-West Zonal Office, explained that the agency was carrying out its statutory regulatory responsibilities.

He, however, assured the traders that their concerns and grievances would be forwarded to the NAFDAC Director-General for consideration.

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