The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially declared December 2025 as the final enforcement date for the comprehensive prohibition of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and bottles smaller than 200 milliliters.
Protective Measure Against Rising Social Menace
Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director General of NAFDAC, revealed this decisive action during a press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, November 11. She emphasized that the ban represents a protective measure rather than a punitive one, designed specifically to address the growing concerns around alcohol misuse among vulnerable populations.
According to Professor Adeyeye, the widespread availability of cheap, high-alcohol-content beverages in small, concealable packaging has created a public health crisis. These products have become easily accessible to minors and commercial drivers, leading to increased cases of addiction, domestic violence, road accidents, and school dropouts across Nigeria.
Senate Directive Accelerates Enforcement Timeline
The announcement follows a recent directive from the Nigerian Senate, which instructed NAFDAC to implement the ban without any further extensions. Lawmakers have expressed serious concerns about the public health implications of unregulated sachet alcohol consumption and have insisted that no additional deadlines will be granted beyond December 2025.
Professor Adeyeye confirmed that this Senate resolution marks the final phase of the withdrawal process that began several years ago. She recalled that NAFDAC had previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding with key industry stakeholders to gradually phase out sachet alcohol production, but multiple deadline extensions were granted following appeals from manufacturers.
Manufacturers Must Prepare for Compliance
The NAFDAC Director General issued a clear warning to all manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, stressing that they must begin immediate preparations for full compliance ahead of the December 2025 enforcement date. The agency will not tolerate any violations once the ban takes full effect.
"We cannot continue to sacrifice the well-being of Nigerians for short-term economic gain. The health of a nation is its true wealth," Professor Adeyeye stated emphatically during the briefing. She further explained that the decision is firmly rooted in scientific evidence and public health considerations aimed at safeguarding the future of Nigerian children and youth.
The movement to ban sachet and small-bottle alcohol initially gained momentum in 2018, as public health experts presented compelling evidence linking these products to addiction among underage drinkers and reckless behavior among drivers. Experts have consistently argued that the small-sized packaging encourages excessive consumption due to the products being inexpensive, easily concealed, and widely available, particularly around educational institutions and transportation hubs.
