Abuja, Nigeria – Thursday, August 7, 2025 — The Beer Sectoral Group (BSG), a sub-sectoral group under the Food, Beverage and Tobacco Sector of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), paid a high-level visit to Honourable Minister of Trade and Investment, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment of Nigeria, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, MFR. The strategic engagement was part of the sector’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the government and seeking alignment on policy matters that affect the sustainability of the beer industry.
The delegation, led by Mr. Carlos Coutino, Chairman of the BSG and Chief Executive Officer of International Breweries Plc, was received at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. He was joined by other BSG members including Abiola Laseinde, Executive Director of BSG; Temitope Oguntokun, Corporate Affairs & Regulatory Director at International Breweries; Uzo Odenigbo, Corporate Affairs Director at Nigerian Breweries Plc; and Rotimi Odusola, Corporate Relations Director at Guinness Nigeria Plc.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Coutino appreciated the Honourable Minister and her team for the warm reception and reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to responsible growth and policy compliance. He emphasized the sector’s understanding of the government’s fiscal priorities but raised concerns about the recent increases in excise duties, particularly under the Ad Valorem structure. According to him, the current regime places an undue burden on manufacturers, many of whom are still recovering from the macroeconomic shocks of the 2023 naira devaluation.
The meeting featured a technical presentation by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), which provided compelling data and projections to highlight the implications of the current excise regime. Findings from the presentation showed a sharp decline in industry revenues by nearly 30 percent, largely driven by inflation and foreign exchange instability. It also underscored the scale of the industry’s contributions, including its support of over 30,000 jobs and the stimulation of the local agricultural value chain through the sourcing of approximately 300 metric tons of grains. The report also flagged affordability challenges, revealing that the average Nigerian now needs to work up to three hours to afford a bottle of beer. In addition, there were strong indications that the current tax approach could result in over ₦425 billion in industry losses and a significant shortfall in government revenue projections.
Furthermore, the PwC report flagged public health risks, warning that high beer prices could unintentionally push consumers toward unsafe, unregulated alternatives.
The BSG delegation appealed for a review of the current Ad Valorem model and proposed more predictable, inflation-adjusted alternatives aimed at ensuring long-term industry viability, consumer protection, and continued government revenue.
The Honourable Minister, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, responded by commending the group for its data-driven approach and its collaborative engagement style. She acknowledged the challenges presented and assured the delegation of the Ministry’s openness to stakeholder input in shaping reforms that are equitable, forward-looking, and in the national interest.
The BSG restated its commitment to responsible consumption, sustainability, and partnership with the government. The group also stressed its role in job creation, agricultural development, and manufacturing, making the beer industry a vital contributor to Nigeria’s economy.
