The decision of the federal government to suspend the ban on alcohol produced in sachets has been welcomed by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).
The Director-General of NECA, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, described the move as a step in the right direction, saying it respects existing National Assembly resolutions and restores regulatory clarity for operators in the sector.
Recall that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) had recently ordered the suspension of the policy following concerns raised by the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control.
In a statement, Mr Oyerinde said the immediate suspension of all enforcement actions relating to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle products, pending the conclusion of consultations and the issuance of a final policy directive, was positive for the industry and the wider economy.
According to him, the sachet and PET segment of the alcoholic beverage industry represents a significant share of the estimated N800 billion invested in the sector and supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs across manufacturing, packaging, logistics, wholesale and retail activities.
He stressed that in an economy already facing high unemployment and rising business costs, abrupt policy actions that threaten existing jobs and legitimate investments would be counterproductive and damaging.
“We fully acknowledge the need to address public health concerns, especially regarding children and young people, but the solutions must be evidence-based and carefully designed so as not to drive activities into the informal and unregulated economy or encourage illicit products,” he said.
Mr Oyerinde added NECA was looking forward to deeper consultations with stakeholders to ensure jobs, livelihoods and legitimate investments are protected, while public health objectives are achieved.
