….Chamber urges holistic review of policy amid harsh economic realities
…..Says indigenous manufacturers may be crippled if directive is enforced
The Ota Parapo Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OPCCIMA) has condemned the decision of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to ban the sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles below 200 millilitres.
The chamber described the policy as ill-timed and capable of worsening the economic hardship currently facing millions of Nigerians, particularly low-income adult consumers.
OPCCIMA in a statement signed by the chamber’s Pioneer President, Kayode Bowale, said the ban has generated widespread concern in various quarters, with many stakeholders viewing sachet packaging as an innovative means of making products accessible to adults with limited purchasing power.
“The whole issue should be viewed holistically,” the chamber said, calling on regulators to consider the broader economic implications of the restriction.
The chamber made its position known in a rejoinder issued at its monthly meeting held on January 29, 2026, at its Secretariat, Commerce House, Oba T.T. Dada International Market, Oja Ota, Ogun State argued that businesses across sectors are currently adopting different strategies to reach consumers due to the country’s difficult economic conditions.
It noted that rising poverty levels and shrinking disposable income have forced manufacturers to innovate in packaging and pricing to sustain demand.
OPCCIMA further observed that Nigeria is still grappling with low industrial development, particularly in the area of indigenous manufacturing, due to persistent socio-economic challenges.
The chamber lamented that local entrepreneurs who are struggling to keep industries afloat are being discouraged rather than supported.
“It is unfortunate that the few indigenous entrepreneurs who are trying to cope with the economic situation are being discouraged by an agency set up to work with industries to ensure sustainability,” the statement read.
OPCCIMA warned that no country can thrive if its local industries are crippled by policies it described as draconian.
The chamber maintained that the ban would increase the burden on manufacturers already facing high production costs, unstable power supply, and weak consumer purchasing power.
It cautioned that if the implementation continues, many manufacturing companies may be forced to lay off workers in the near future.
Such job losses, it said, would worsen youth unemployment and push more Nigerians below the poverty line.
The chamber explained that rising unemployment would reduce aggregate demand and negatively affect inclusive economic growth.
OPCCIMA also expressed concern over what it called NAFDAC’s disregard for constituted authority.
The chamber described as “unfortunate” a situation where the agency allegedly proceeded with the ban despite directives from the House of Representatives and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) putting the action on hold.
It insisted that regulatory bodies must respect institutional directives and ensure alignment with national economic priorities.
“Constituted authorities must be respected,” OPCCIMA stated, urging NAFDAC to suspend implementation and engage stakeholders.
The chamber called for a more balanced approach that protects public health without destroying indigenous industries and livelihoods.
OPCCIMA appealed to the Federal Government to intervene and ensure that policies do not unintentionally deepen poverty and unemployment.
The chamber reaffirmed its commitment to supporting business growth and safeguarding the survival of local manufacturers in Nigeria’s fragile economy.
