The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially mandated a comprehensive ban on the production and sale of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and small plastic or glass bottles under 200ml. This prohibition is set to be fully enforced by the deadline of December 2025.
Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, announced this decisive action during a press conference held in Abuja on November 11. She emphasized that the directive is a direct response to a resolution passed by the Nigerian Senate, which expressed grave concerns over the easy access to these cheap, high-alcohol-content beverages.
Addressing a Public Health Crisis
Professor Adeyeye detailed the reasoning behind the ban, highlighting a significant public health threat. She explained that the proliferation of alcohol in sachets and small containers has made them exceptionally easy to obtain, affordable, and simple to hide. This accessibility has led to rampant misuse and growing addiction, particularly among two vulnerable groups: minors and commercial drivers.
The NAFDAC boss linked this issue to a rise in several social problems. Increased cases of domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts, and other social vices have been connected to the widespread availability of these pocket-sized alcoholic drinks in communities across Nigeria.
A Phased Approach and Final Deadline
This is not the first attempt to regulate these products. Professor Adeyeye noted that the agency had previously engaged with industry stakeholders. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in December 2018 with groups like the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN).
The initial agreement outlined a five-year phased ban, with the original deadline set for January 2024. This was later extended to December 2025 to allow manufacturers sufficient time to exhaust their existing stock and reconfigure their production lines for larger bottle sizes.
However, Professor Adeyeye was unequivocal in stating that no further extensions will be granted beyond the December 2025 deadline. She urged all retailers and manufacturers to ensure full compliance with the directive.
Enforcement and Collaboration
To ensure the ban is effective, NAFDAC plans to collaborate closely with various security agencies. The full enforcement of the prohibition is scheduled to commence in January 2026, immediately following the expiration of the deadline.
Professor Adeyeye reiterated that the ban's primary objective is protection, not punishment. "This ban is not punitive; it is protective," she stated. "It is aimed at safeguarding the health and future of our children and youth. The decision is rooted in scientific evidence and public health considerations. We cannot continue to sacrifice the well-being of Nigerians for short-term economic gain. The health of a nation is its true wealth."
The agency also reaffirmed that this move aligns with Nigeria's commitment to the World Health Organization's Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol.
