By Bavoriat Clara
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to fully enforce the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small-volume bottles (below 200ml) by December 2025.
The decision, which aligns with the recent directive of the Senate and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, aims to safeguard public health, particularly protecting children, adolescents, and young adults from the harmful effects of alcohol consumption.
In a statement issued by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, FAS, the Agency emphasized that the proliferation of high-alcohol-content beverages in sachets and small plastic or glass containers has made them easily accessible, affordable, and concealable—factors that have contributed to widespread misuse, addiction, and health challenges among minors and commercial drivers.
Prof. Adeyeye noted that such products have been linked to rising cases of domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts, and other social vices in several communities across the country.
She recalled that in December 2018, NAFDAC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) to phase out sachet and small-volume alcohol packaging by January 31, 2024. The timeline was later extended to December 2025 to allow manufacturers to exhaust existing stocks and adjust their production lines.
According to Prof. Adeyeye, the Senate’s recent resolution reinforces the original intent of that agreement and aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Organization’s Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol (WHA63.13, 2010).
Quoting her words, Prof. Adeyeye stated:
“This ban is not punitive; it is protective. It is aimed at safeguarding the health and future of our children and youth. The decision is rooted in scientific evidence and public health considerations. We cannot continue to sacrifice the well-being of Nigerians for short-term economic gain. The health of a nation is its true wealth.”
She clarified that the ban specifically targets spirit drinks packaged in sachets and small PET or glass bottles below 200ml, stressing that no further extension beyond December 2025 will be granted.
NAFDAC also called on all stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, to comply fully with the directive, adding that the Agency will intensify nationwide sensitization campaigns in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, FCCPC, and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to enlighten the public on the dangers of alcohol misuse.
The Agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that only safe, wholesome, and properly regulated products are available for public consumption in Nigeria.
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