NAFDAC Commences Enforcement of Sachet Alcohol Ban Following Senate Clearance
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially begun enforcing the comprehensive ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and plastic bottles with capacities below 200 millilitres. This decisive action comes after receiving explicit authorization from the Nigerian Senate, which recently lifted a temporary suspension that had been placed on the enforcement process.
Senate Directive Paves Way for Regulatory Action
During a media engagement organized by the agency in Lagos, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, confirmed that enforcement activities are now underway. "We have initiated the enforcement to prohibit alcohol production in sachets and bottles under 200ml after receiving the directive from the Senate to proceed," Professor Adeyeye stated emphatically. The enforcement follows NAFDAC's initial announcement in November 2025 regarding a total ban on these products, which was subsequently paused pending further governmental consultations.
Public Health Protection Drives Regulatory Decision
The primary motivation behind this stringent regulatory measure is the protection of public health, with particular emphasis on safeguarding children, adolescents, and young adults from the detrimental effects of alcohol abuse. Professor Adeyeye highlighted that alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small containers present unique risks due to their easy accessibility, affordability, and concealability, making them especially appealing to underage consumers.
"NAFDAC does not oppose alcohol consumption per se, but we are firmly against the proliferation of high-alcohol-content products in sachets and small bottles that facilitate easy access for children," she explained during the briefing. The agency's stance reflects a balanced approach to regulation that acknowledges legitimate alcohol production while prioritizing community health and safety.
Historical Context of Alcohol Content Regulation
Professor Adeyeye provided important historical context regarding previous regulatory efforts. She revealed that prior to her appointment, some sachet alcoholic products contained alarmingly high alcohol concentrations ranging between 50 and 90 percent. NAFDAC had previously instructed manufacturers to reduce alcohol content to 30 percent, a directive that faced significant resistance from industry stakeholders.
"When we mandated manufacturers to reduce content to 30 percent, they appealed directly to the ministry, citing concerns about job losses and investment impacts," she recounted. This resistance resulted in a five-year grace period granted by the then Minister of Health, extending from December 2018 through January 2024, allowing manufacturers time to adjust their production processes.
Commitment to Public Health and Safety
NAFDAC has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens through rigorous regulatory oversight. The current enforcement initiative specifically targets the reduction of alcohol-related harm among vulnerable population segments. The agency plans to collaborate closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance while maintaining its primary focus on public health and safety considerations.
This enforcement action represents a significant milestone in Nigeria's ongoing efforts to regulate alcohol accessibility and protect vulnerable groups from substance abuse. The implementation follows extensive deliberation between regulatory bodies, legislative authorities, and industry representatives, culminating in this decisive public health intervention.
