By Peter Omopo
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has addressed growing public concerns over the enforcement of the ban on sachet alcohol, clarifying that the policy targets specific packaging formats and does not involve the shutdown of alcohol manufacturing companies.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the agency’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC said it has resumed enforcement of the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and in small-volume PET or glass bottles below 200 millilitres, in line with a resolution of the Senate and its public health mandate.
According to the agency, the enforcement exercise is supported by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and is aimed at reducing the harmful use of alcohol, particularly among children, adolescents and young adults.
Prof. Adeyeye explained that the widespread availability, low cost and ease of concealing alcohol packaged in sachets and small containers have contributed significantly to underage access, misuse and addiction, with associated consequences such as road accidents, school dropouts and other social vices.
She stressed that the action does not amount to the closure of alcohol-producing companies, noting that only two packaging categories are affected.
“The restriction applies strictly to spirit drinks in sachets and in PET or glass bottles below 200ml. Alcoholic beverages packaged in larger volumes remain approved for production and sale in Nigeria,” the statement said.
NAFDAC recalled that it entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with industry stakeholders in December 2018 to phase out sachet and small-volume alcohol packaging, initially by January 31, 2024. The moratorium was later extended to December 2025 to allow manufacturers exhaust existing stock and adjust their production processes.
The agency noted that the renewed enforcement is consistent with the agreement reached with stakeholders and aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Assembly’s Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol.
Describing the policy as protective rather than punitive, Adeyeye said the ban was designed to safeguard children and young people from easy access to alcohol and the long-term consequences of misuse.
“The health of Nigerians, especially the younger population, must take priority,” she said.
NAFDAC also urged all stakeholders to comply fully with the directive, emphasising that no further extensions beyond December 2025 would be granted.
