The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has defended its renewed enforcement of the ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and containers below 200 millilitres, emphasizing that the move is driven by public health concerns rather than targeting manufacturers.
In a statement released on Thursday, Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye clarified that no alcohol-producing company has been shut down and that the restriction applies only to sachets and small bottles, whether plastic or glass, under the approved volume.
“NAFDAC has resumed enforcement of the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small-volume PET or glass bottles below 200ml,” Adeyeye said.
The agency explained that the policy aims to curb alcohol abuse among minors and young adults. Small and inexpensive alcohol packs make it easier for underage drinkers to access alcohol without detection, and warning labels have largely proven ineffective.
“Many parents do not even know their children consume sachet alcohol because the pack size is small, cheap and easily concealed,” she added, citing reports from schools, including a case where a pupil claimed he could not sit for an examination without first taking sachet alcohol.
NAFDAC noted that the renewed enforcement follows an agreement with alcohol manufacturers in 2018 to phase out sachet and small-pack alcohol by January 2024. The deadline was later extended to December 2025 to give producers ample time to comply.
“This ban is not punitive; it is protective. The health of a nation is its true wealth,” Prof. Adeyeye stressed.
While acknowledging industry concerns over potential job losses, NAFDAC stated that no further extensions would be granted and urged full compliance from manufacturers and distributors. The agency reiterated its commitment to reducing alcohol-related harm and safeguarding public health across Nigeria.
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