NAFDAC to Enforce Ban on Alcohol in Sachets and Small Bottles Starting December
NAFDAC to Enforce Ban on Alcohol in Sachets and Small Bottles Starting December
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced that by December 2025, the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and bottles smaller than 200 millilitres will be officially prohibited.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, NAFDAC Director General Mojisola Adeyeye explained that the move aims to combat the increasing misuse of cheap alcoholic drinks among youths and drivers. She emphasized that the widespread availability of high-alcohol-content beverages in small, easily concealable packages has led to significant social and health issues, including addiction among minors and drivers, domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts, and social vices.
The decision follows a directive from the Senate, issued last Thursday, which mandated NAFDAC to enforce the complete ban on such products by December 2025, with no allowances for further extensions. The Senate’s resolution was prompted by concerns over the repeated postponements of the ban, despite mounting public health and safety risks. Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong of Cross River South highlighted that previous deadlines had been shifted from 2023 to 2024, then to 2025, which he argued had encouraged manufacturers to lobby for more delays. He warned that further postponements would betray public trust and weaken Nigeria’s commitment to international health standards.
In response, Adeyeye stated that the latest directive aligns with the Senate’s resolution and that the agency is committed to full compliance ahead of the deadline. She clarified that the ban is a health-focused protective measure rather than a punitive action, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Nigeria’s youth and future generations. She also recalled that NAFDAC had previously agreed with stakeholders on a phased withdrawal plan, but stressed that the current deadline is final.
Adeyeye urged manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to prepare for the enforcement of the ban, underscoring that the move is grounded in scientific evidence and public health priorities. “This ban is not punitive; it is protective. It is aimed at safeguarding the health and future of our children and youth,” she said. “The health of a nation is its true wealth.”
