NAFDAC TO STOP SALES OF ALCOHOL IN SACHETS, SMALL BOTTLES IN DECEMBER
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BY JENN NOMAMIUKOR
By December 2025, it will be illegal to produce and sell alcoholic beverages in sachets or bottles smaller than 200 milliliters, according to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency’s director general, revealed this at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, adding that the move was a component of the agency’s attempts to combat the rising abuse of inexpensive alcoholic beverages by young people and drivers.
“The proliferation of high-alcohol-content beverages in sachets and small containers has made such products easily accessible, affordable, and concealable, leading to widespread misuse and addiction among minors and commercial drivers.
“This public health menace has been linked to increased incidences of domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts, and social vices across communities,” Adeyeye said.
The action followed the Senate’s Thursday directive to NAFDAC to enact a complete prohibition on the manufacture and distribution of alcoholic beverages in sachets and containers containing less than 200 milliliters by December 2025, with no additional extensions permitted.
The resolution came after a lengthy discussion of a motion introduced by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong of Cross River South, who voiced his displeasure with NAFDAC’s repeated delays in enforcing the ban in spite of mounting social and public health concerns. In order to encourage manufacturers to keep pressing for extra time, Ekpenyong reminded lawmakers that the agency had earlier set 2023 as the deadline before moving it to 2024 and then 2025.
He cautioned that any further delay would constitute a betrayal of public trust and undermine Nigeria’s commitment to international health and safety standards.
Adeyeye, however, explained that the directive followed a Senate resolution raising concerns about the availability of low-cost alcoholic beverages in sachets, which have reportedly contributed to social and health problems.
She recalled that NAFDAC had previously entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with stakeholders to implement a phased withdrawal of the products, with earlier deadlines postponed from 2023 to 2025.
However, she stressed that the Senate’s latest resolution is final, warning that no further extensions will be granted.
She urged manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to begin full compliance ahead of the enforcement date.
Adeyeye clarified that the ban is a protective measure, not a punitive one, aimed at safeguarding public health.
“This ban is not punitive; it is protective. 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,” she added.
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