The Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, stating that the planned ban on alcoholic drinks in sachets and small bottles threatens an investment worth over N2 trillion and could lead to massive job losses across the country.
Call for Government Intervention
FOBTOB's President, Jimoh Oyibo, made this urgent appeal during a press conference held in Lagos. He pleaded with the government to reverse its decision, emphasizing that the ban, scheduled to take effect on December 31, 2025, would have severe repercussions. The most critical issue highlighted was the potential loss of approximately 5.5 million jobs, which includes both direct and indirect employment.
The ban, which was recently directed by the Senate to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), targets alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET or glass bottles smaller than 200ml.
Economic Implications and Job Losses
Oyibo detailed the devastating economic impact the ban would cause. He stated that the nearly N2 trillion invested in machinery and raw materials for the sector could be completely wiped out.
The human cost would be even more staggering. He explained that over 500,000 direct employees and an estimated five million indirect workers would face unemployment. This wide-reaching effect would hit everyone from the companies supplying production materials to those involved in marketing, distribution, and logistics.
A Plea for Dialogue and Regulation
To ensure a fair process, the FOBTOB president urged the Senate to organize a Public Hearing. This would allow all relevant stakeholders to present their side of the argument, enabling the lawmakers to make a fully informed decision.
Oyibo also called on the Senate to examine the validated National Alcohol Policy, which was developed following a Public Hearing last year by the House of Representatives. He stressed that the government should consider the entire value chain of the alcohol beverage industry and the profound impact the ban would have on both formal and informal workers, as well as legitimate manufacturers.
Instead of an outright ban, FOBTOB recommends that regulatory bodies focus on regulation, monitoring, and public enlightenment campaigns. These efforts should educate the public on the dangers of underage drinking and the sale of alcohol in prohibited areas like motor parks.
