NAFDAC reinforces cracks down on sachet alcohol to shield youth from harm

Abdullateef Fowewe

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reignited its crackdown on sachet and small-volume alcohol packaging, enforcing a long-standing ban to curb underage drinking and its ripple effects on public health.

In a statement signed Thursday by Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC’s Director-General/CEO, the agency announced the resumption of enforcement activities.

“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 small-volume PET or glass bottles below 200ml,” the statement reads, aligning with a Senate resolution and NAFDAC’s public health mandate.

Supported by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the move targets the easy access, low cost, and concealability of these products, which fuel misuse among children, adolescents, and young adults. Officials highlighted links to road accidents, school dropouts, and other social vices.
Importantly, no alcohol-producing companies face closure.

The ban zeroes in on spirit drinks in sachets and bottles under 200ml, while larger volumes stay approved.

This follows a 2018 Memorandum of Understanding with stakeholders, initially set to phase out such packaging by January 2024, then extended to December 2025 for stock depletion and production adjustments.

Adeyeye emphasised, “This ban is not punitive; it is protective. It is designed to safeguard children and 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 warned of strict compliance, with no further extensions beyond December 2025, underscoring Nigeria’s pledge to the World Health Assembly’s Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol.