Yemi Obafemi
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has released the findings of a national survey on underage drinking and alcohol abuse in Nigeria, revealing widespread access to alcohol among minors across the country.
The survey was conducted in collaboration with the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) and executed by Research and Data Solutions Ltd., Abuja.
The findings were disclosed in a statement signed by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.
According to the statement, the study was carried out between June and August 2021 and assessed access to alcohol and patterns of consumption among minors, underaged persons and adults across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The survey covered 1,788 respondents in six states, Gombe, Kaduna, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Anambra, Lagos and Rivers, using quantitative questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews with alcohol retailers.
Findings from the study indicate that alcohol is widely accessible to minors and underage persons, with over half of respondents reportedly purchasing alcohol themselves.
These purchases were largely made from retailers selling alcohol in sachets and small polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.
“Results further show that sachets and small PET bottles are the most commonly procured alcohol packaging among minors and underage consumers.
“This is due to their affordability, ease of concealment, and availability.
“The study also revealed that a significant proportion of minors and underage persons consume alcohol occasionally, while a concerning minority reported daily or weekly consumption,” the report stated.
NAFDAC noted that the findings reinforce existing evidence that small, easily concealable alcohol pack sizes contribute significantly to underage drinking.
The Agency reiterated that restricting such pack sizes, particularly sachets and bottles below 200 millilitres, could play a critical role in reducing alcohol access among children and adolescents.
“NAFDAC remains committed to evidence-based regulation and sustained stakeholder collaboration to curb alcohol abuse and safeguard the health and future of Nigerian children and youth,” the statement added.
