Yemi Obafemi
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has resumed enforcement of the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and in PET or glass bottles below 200 millilitres.
The move, backed by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, follows a resolution of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and aligns with NAFDAC’s public health mandate to reduce the harmful use of alcohol, particularly among children, adolescents and young adults.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.
According to the agency, the widespread availability, low cost and ease of concealment of sachet and small-volume alcohol have significantly contributed to underage access, misuse and addiction, leading to social consequences such as road accidents, school dropouts and other social vices.
NAFDAC clarified that the enforcement does not involve the closure of any alcohol-producing company.
“The restriction applies strictly to two packaging categories: spirit drinks in sachets and in PET or glass bottles below 200ml. Alcoholic beverages packaged in larger volumes remain approved for production and sale in Nigeria.
“The Agency recalled that in December 2018, it entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with industry stakeholders to phase out sachet and small-volume alcohol packaging, initially by January 31, 2024.
“This moratorium was later extended to December 2025 to allow manufacturers exhaust existing stock and reconfigure production lines. The current enforcement aligns with that agreement and with Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Assembly Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol.
NAFDAC noted that the current enforcement is in line with the agreement and Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Assembly’s Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol.
Prof. Adeyeye described the ban as a protective measure rather than a punitive one, stressing that it is aimed at safeguarding young people from easy access to alcohol and the long-term consequences of misuse.
“The health of Nigerians, especially the younger population, must take priority.”
NAFDAC urged all stakeholders to comply fully with the directive, noting that no further extensions beyond December 2025 will be granted.
