The Association of Raw Gin Producers of Nigeria (ARGPON), formerly known as Nigeria Distillers Associates, has announced the commencement of internal regulatory processes aimed at sanitizing the production of local alcoholic drinks, commonly known as ogogoro. This move, the association says, is in line with existing Nigerian laws, including Decree No. 54 of 1970 and the Control of Distillation and Spirit Drink Regulation Gazette No. 55, Volume 93 of 2006.
ARGPON stated that this initiative is crucial for reorienting distillers and dealers towards best global practices, eliminating unwholesome production methods, and developing the local industry responsibly. The association emphasized the negative health impacts of unorthodox production and distribution methods, highlighting the need for urgent intervention.
The timing of this regulatory push also aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to develop a national policy on alcoholic sales and distribution, in which ARGPON has been actively involved. The association’s efforts are geared towards preparing, educating, and supporting local raw gin distillers in anticipation of this upcoming policy.
“ARGPON’s efforts are to prepare, educate, and support local raw gin distillers in relation to the incoming Federal Government’s policy on sales/distribution of alcoholic contents in which ARGPON was ably represented at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,” the association’s statement read.
According to a statement signed by ARGPON’s National Chairman, Adebisi Adekanye, and Board Secretary, Anthony Okoro, the need for effective internal regulation has been long overdue, as the good intentions behind legalizing local gin production have been undermined by substandard practices. The association hopes that local producers will embrace modern technologies and improve both their production capacity and the quality of their products.
ARGPON is also collaborating with the Federal Industrial Institute of Research to develop modern distilling cones. This technology, they say, has the potential to increase production output by over 1,000% while ensuring that the final product is free from metallic sediments, a common issue with the traditional “arcade method” of using rusty drums for distillation. The association believes these improvements will create jobs and contribute positively to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
As part of this regulatory drive, ARGPON is embarking on a mass registration of all rural raw gin producers and dealers across the country. Designated centers are being established in various regions to facilitate the registration process. Registered operators will receive permits after a thorough review of their production systems and product conformity with approved standards.
ARGPON has called on all operators to visit its website or its national secretariat in Lagos for more information about the registration process, which is set to begin in the first week of February. The association emphasizes that this initiative represents a significant step towards ensuring the safe and responsible production of local gin in Nigeria.
