NAFDAC Announces Total Ban On Sachet And Small Bottle Alcohol To Protect Nigerian Youth And Public Health

 

Abuja, Nigeria: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a firm directive banning the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small bottles below 200 milliliters, with the enforcement set to begin from December 2025. The announcement came from the agency’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, during a press briefing held in Abuja today, November 11.

Professor Adeyeye explained that the decision follows growing concerns over the ease with which high-alcohol-content beverages packaged in small containers have become widely accessible, especially to minors and commercial drivers. She emphasized that the cheap and concealable nature of these products has fueled misuse, addiction, and a range of societal issues. "This public health menace has been linked to increased incidences of domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts, and social vices across communities," she stated.

The directive aligns with a recent resolution by the Nigerian Senate, which raised concerns over the proliferation of low-cost alcohol in sachets and small bottles. According to Professor Adeyeye, the Senate’s position makes the ban non-negotiable, and no further extensions will be granted beyond December 2025. She urged manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to fully comply with the new regulation to avoid enforcement actions.

The decision by NAFDAC is not intended as a punitive measure but as a protective one aimed at safeguarding public health, particularly among children and young adults. Professor Adeyeye stressed that the move is guided by scientific evidence and public health considerations rather than short-term economic interests. "The health of a nation is its true wealth," she said.

NAFDAC’s press release highlighted that the ban specifically targets spirit drinks packaged in sachets and small-volume PET or glass bottles under 200 milliliters. The agency noted that other categories of alcoholic beverages remain unaffected. To ensure full compliance, NAFDAC will collaborate with security agencies to enforce the ban starting in January 2026.

The agency also outlined its previous efforts to phase out sachet and small-volume alcohol packaging. In December 2018, NAFDAC, together with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with industry stakeholders, including the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria. This MoU initially set a deadline for January 31, 2024, for the phase-out, which was later extended to December 2025 to allow industry operators sufficient time to adjust production lines and exhaust old stock.

Professor Adeyeye noted that the current Senate directive aligns with Nigeria’s obligations under the World Health Organization’s Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol, a framework Nigeria signed in 2010. The strategy emphasizes reducing alcohol-related harm, particularly among vulnerable populations.

The Director-General underscored that NAFDAC’s initiative will be supported by nationwide sensitization campaigns aimed at educating the public about the dangers of alcohol misuse. Collaborating agencies will include the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, and the National Orientation Agency. These campaigns are expected to raise awareness about the social and health consequences of high-alcohol-content beverages sold in sachets and small bottles.

Industry operators have been given ample time to comply with the phase-out regulation, with the agency making it clear that any further delays will not be tolerated. NAFDAC continues to reaffirm its mission to ensure that only safe, wholesome, and properly regulated products are available to Nigerians.

Professor Adeyeye concluded the briefing by reiterating that the ban is a critical step toward protecting the nation’s youth and future generations. The agency’s firm stance reflects a broader commitment to public health and the wellbeing of communities across Nigeria.

Signed statements and press releases from NAFDAC confirm that the agency is resolute in implementing this policy and will employ all necessary measures to prevent violations, signaling a new era of stricter regulation of alcoholic beverages in the country.