NAFDAC enforces sachet alcohol ban, no firm closed — DG
Resuming Enforcement of Alcohol Sachet and Small Bottle Ban
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has resumed enforcement of a ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small-volume PET or glass bottles, specifically those below 200ml. This decision follows a directive from the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, reinforcing NAFDAC’s commitment to public health and safety.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, emphasized that the ban is not aimed at alcohol manufacturing companies but rather at addressing public health concerns. The Senate-ordered action, supported by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, aligns with NAFDAC’s statutory mandate to protect vulnerable populations, including children, adolescents, and young adults, from the harmful effects of alcohol.
Accessibility and Misuse of Small Alcohol Packagings
The widespread availability of high-alcohol-content beverages in sachets and small bottles has made them easily accessible, affordable, and concealable, leading to misuse and addiction among minors and some commercial drivers. This issue has been linked to various social problems, such as domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts, and other negative societal impacts.
Adeyeye pointed out that simply labeling these products “not for children” is ineffective given the societal context. Sachets are cheap and easily concealed, making it difficult for parents to monitor consumption. Reports from schools reveal that some children hide sachets, and in one case, a student claimed he could not take an exam without consuming sachet alcohol.
Historical Context and Industry Adjustments
NAFDAC highlighted a six-year moratorium given to manufacturers to phase out sachets and small bottles. In December 2018, the agency, along with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN). This agreement aimed to phase out small-volume packaging by January 31, 2024, with a later extension to December 2025 to allow the industry to exhaust old stock and adjust production lines.
The current Senate resolution aligns with this agreement and Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Assembly Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol (WHA63.13, 2010). The objective is to make alcohol less accessible to children and youth. NAFDAC continues to approve alcohol in larger pack sizes, emphasizing that the ban applies only to sachets and bottles under 200ml, and no alcohol company has been shut down as a result.
A Protective Measure for Public Health
According to Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, the decision is rooted in scientific evidence and public health considerations. She stated, “This ban is not punitive; it is protective. It is aimed at safeguarding the health and future of our children and youth by not allowing alcohol in small pack sizes. We cannot continue to sacrifice the wellbeing of Nigerians for economic gain. The health of a nation is its true wealth.”
NAFDAC reiterates that only two packages of alcoholic beverages are affected by this regulation—spirit drinks packaged in sachets and small-volume PET/glass bottles below 200ml. The Agency calls on all stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, to comply fully with the phase-out deadline, as no further extension will be entertained beyond December 2025.
Collaborative Efforts for Nationwide Awareness
The Agency will continue to work collaboratively with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to implement nationwide sensitization campaigns on the health and social dangers associated with alcohol misuse. NAFDAC remains resolute in its mission to ensure that only safe, wholesome, and properly regulated products are available to Nigerians.
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