‘Nigeria’ll lose N1.2 trillion over alcohol-in-sachet ban’

Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) has warned that investments worth over N1.2 trillion will be lost if the ban on the production and sale of sachet and PET bottle alcohol by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) continues in the country.

The association disclosed that the move would also make 5.5 million direct and indirect workers lose their jobs in the economy in the country.

This warning was revealed in an open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu by the association, a sub-sector under the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

DIBAN, which comprises over 24 corporate organizations involved in the production and manufacturing of wines and spirits, stressed its significant contributions to the Nigerian economy, estimates its total investment at over N500 billion.

It also stated its role in providing direct employment to over 500,000 people and indirect employment for more than 5 million.

The association called on President Bola Tinubu to issue a directive or Executive Order lifting the ban and proposed alternative measures, such as establishing licensed liquor stores/outlets by Local Government Areas across Nigeria.

DIBAN suggested increased monitoring and compliance checks by regulatory agencies to ensure product quality rather than an outright ban.