NAFDAC enforces sachet alcohol ban in Nigeria, targeting small packaging to protect children while alcohol production continues

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has resumed full enforcement of its ban on sachet alcohol and other small-volume alcoholic beverages, insisting the move is aimed at protecting children and vulnerable Nigerians.

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The agency clarified on Thursday that no alcohol-producing companies have been shut down, with the prohibition applying only to sachets and bottles below 200 millilitres, following a directive from the Nigerian Senate and support from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, NAFDAC Director-General, emphasised that the widespread sale of inexpensive, high-alcohol-content drinks in small packaging has fuelled abuse among minors and commercial drivers, contributing to addiction, domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts, and other social vices.

“This ban is not punitive; it is protective. It is about safeguarding the health and future of our children and youth. We cannot continue to sacrifice the wellbeing of Nigerians for economic gain,” Adeyeye said.

She rejected claims that warning labels alone could solve the problem, noting that small packaging makes alcohol easy to conceal, especially among students.

NAFDAC reminded the public that manufacturers had been given years to adjust, citing a 2018 memorandum of understanding with the Federal Ministry of Health and industry groups to phase out sachet alcohol by January 31, 2024.

The moratorium was later extended to December 2025, after which no further extensions will be granted.

Adeyeye stressed that alcoholic beverages in larger pack sizes remain approved, highlighting that the initiative targets the packaging, not alcohol consumption itself, and aligns with the World Health Assembly Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol.

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“NAFDAC remains resolute in ensuring that only safe, wholesome, and properly regulated products are available to Nigerians,” she said, adding that nationwide sensitisation campaigns on the dangers of alcohol misuse will continue.