The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced enforcement of the nationwide ban on the production and sale of alcohol packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.
The Senate had directed the agency to halt the production of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small bottles by December 2025, following a motion by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong of Cross River South. Ekpenyong argued that the measure aligns with global regulatory standards and best practices to reduce alcohol-related harm in Nigeria.
The move has drawn reactions from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and civil society groups, who warned that the ban could impact the economy and threaten millions of jobs.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos on Wednesday, NAFDAC Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye said the enforcement began after fresh authorization from the Senate. She emphasized that the initiative aims to protect public health, particularly vulnerable groups.
Adeyeye noted that high-alcohol-content beverages in sachets and small containers are easily accessible, affordable, and concealable, making them particularly risky for children. She added that some sachet alcohol products previously contained 50 to 90 percent alcohol, posing serious public health dangers.
While manufacturers were directed to reduce alcohol content to 30 percent, many resisted, citing potential job losses and investment setbacks. The issue was subsequently escalated to the Federal Ministry of Health, which allowed a five-year transition period from December 2018 to January 31, 2024, for compliance.
Adeyeye reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to safeguarding public health through continued enforcement of alcohol regulations.
