The Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has officially flagged off the 6th edition of its annual Don’t Drink & Drive (DDD) campaign, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to promoting responsible drinking and safer roads across Nigeria.
The event commenced at the FRSC Lagos Sector Command with a press interaction and stakeholder briefing attended by FRSC officials, the BSG Executive Team, transport unions, and media organisations.
The initiative is jointly driven by member companies of the Beer Sectoral Group; International Breweries Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, and Guinness Nigeria Plc, who continue to demonstrate unified industry leadership in advancing responsible alcohol consumption.
Through this collaboration, the Group reinforces its long-standing partnership with the FRSC and deepens its commitment to public safety, especially at a time when travel activity and road risks typically increase nationwide.
Mr. Carlos Coutino, chairman of the Beer Sectoral Group and Managing Director of International Breweries Plc, speaking at the flag-off event in Lagos, emphasized the industry’s unwavering commitment to road safety and responsible drinking:
“The beer industry remains steadfast in its commitment to responsible drinking advocacy. The Don’t Drink & Drive campaign has been one of the Beer Sectoral Group’s flagship corporate social responsibility programmes since inception, aimed at saving lives and fostering safer transportation habits,” he said
In his welcome address at the flag-off event, Corps Commander Kehinde G. Hamzat stressed the heightened dangers on the roads during the festive season and the need for stronger public awareness:
“The risk of road crashes increases significantly during the festive season, which is why we must intensify public sensitization efforts. Collective awareness and responsible choices are critical to saving lives on our roads,” he said.
He further appreciated the Beer Sectoral Group member companies for their consistent support of the FRSC in this initiative over the years, noting that their commitment has made a real impact in reducing avoidable accidents.
“I wish to express my profound appreciation to our esteemed stakeholders, Beer Sectoral Group for partnering with the Federal Road Safety Commission in the campaign for continued corporate social responsibility efforts towards ensuring safety on our roads.”
Mrs. Abiola Laseinde, Executive Secretary of the Beer Sectoral Group, in her closing remarks, expressed appreciation to the FRSC and transport stakeholders for their continued collaboration.
She underscored the vital role of collective action in reducing avoidable accidents caused by drunk driving.
Following the briefing, the team proceeded to major motor parks in Lagos, Berger and Ojota, for the park rallies.
At each location, commercial drivers and road users received safety sensitization, breathalyzer demonstrations, and branded educational materials.
The rally also featured direct engagements with transport unions and drivers to reinforce the message of safety and responsible alcohol consumption.
The Don’t Drink and Drive campaign remains a key extension of BSG’s broader mission to foster responsible drinking, support public safety, and strengthen stakeholder collaboration. As travel activities increase during the ember months, the BSG and FRSC urge Nigerians to make responsible choices and avoid driving under the influence.
Under the The Federal Road Safety Commission Act of 2007, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05% in Nigeria. Penalties for driving over this limit can be severe for those who are unable to hire a DUI attorney.
Regulatory bodies strongly advise keeping drinking to a minimum when driving to avoid both driving convictions and accidents.
