NAFDAC Resumes Enforcement of Sachet Alcohol Ban, Denies Shutdown Reports

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has resumed enforcement of the prohibition on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and in plastic or glass bottles smaller than 200 millilitres.

The agency clarified that it has not shut down any alcohol manufacturing companies, explaining that the directive strictly targets the sale of alcohol in sachets and small-sized containers due to public health concerns.

In a statement issued on Thursday, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, said the renewed enforcement is intended to protect children, adolescents and young adults from the harmful effects of alcohol consumption.

According to her, the enforcement aligns with a resolution of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and falls within the agency’s public health responsibilities. She noted that the widespread availability of high-alcohol-content drinks in sachets and small containers has made alcohol cheap, easily accessible and easy to conceal, contributing to increased cases of underage drinking, addiction, domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts and other social problems.

Adeyeye added that warning labels such as “Not for children” have proven ineffective, as many parents are unaware that their children consume sachet alcohol due to its small size and low cost. She cited reports from schools highlighting troubling incidents, including a case where a student reportedly said he could not sit for an examination without first consuming sachet alcohol.

NAFDAC recalled that in December 2018, the agency, alongside the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, entered into a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with alcohol manufacturers to phase out sachet and small-volume alcohol packaging by January 31, 2024. The deadline was later extended to December 2025 to allow manufacturers time to exhaust existing stock and adjust their production processes.

The Director-General said the current Senate resolution is consistent with the terms of that agreement and Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Assembly’s Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol.

She stressed that the ban is intended to protect public health rather than punish businesses, noting that scientific evidence supports the move. Adeyeye emphasised that alcohol products packaged above 200ml remain approved by NAFDAC, adding that the restriction applies only to spirit drinks sold in sachets and small containers.

The renewed enforcement has triggered reactions from industry groups, labour unions and members of the public. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and other stakeholders, including the Food and Beverage Tobacco Outgrowers and Bottlers, have criticised the policy, describing it as inconsistent and potentially harmful to the economy.

On January 23, members of the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress staged a protest at NAFDAC’s Lagos office, warning that the directive could lead to job losses affecting millions of Nigerians.

While acknowledging these concerns, NAFDAC urged manufacturers, distributors and retailers to comply fully with the directive, stating that no further extension will be granted beyond December 2025. The agency said it will continue working with relevant government bodies to intensify nationwide awareness campaigns on the dangers of alcohol misuse.

NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that only safe, wholesome and properly regulated products are available to Nigerians.