Why Sachet Alcohol Was Banned – NAFDAC

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Addressing Public Health Concerns: The Rationale Behind the Alcohol Sachet Ban

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken a firm stance on the sale of alcoholic beverages in small quantities, such as sachets and bottles under 200ml. This decision stems from significant public health concerns, especially regarding the potential harm to children. According to the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the ban is not intended to restrict adult consumption but rather to prevent minors from accessing alcohol at an early age.

Adeyeye emphasized that children are not simply smaller versions of adults. Their physiological systems are still developing, making them more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol. “When a child consumes alcohol or starts consuming it early, their systems are exposed to alcohol before they can handle it,” she explained. “This exposure can lead to long-term damage.”

The concentration of alcohol in sachets is particularly alarming. Some products contain up to 43% alcohol, which is significantly higher than the typical 6 to 8% found in beer. This high concentration poses a serious risk, especially when consumed in large quantities. “Two sachets of this alcohol could be equivalent to ten times the amount of beer,” Adeyeye noted.

A Long-Term Strategy with Stakeholder Involvement

The enforcement of this ban was not an immediate decision. It has been discussed with relevant stakeholders over several years. Adeyeye highlighted that when she joined the National Bureau for the Control of Alcohol and Other Drugs (NABLAC) in 2017, the agency initially opted for reducing the alcohol concentration rather than imposing a complete ban. However, the situation escalated when NABLAC was reported to the Ministry of Health in 2018, leading to a five-year moratorium.

During this period, various organizations, including NABLAC, the Ministry of Health, D-BAN, and AFBT, agreed to re-evaluate their business plans. The goal was to eliminate sachet alcohol and PET bottles below 200ml by the end of the five-year period. However, enforcement faced delays due to ongoing consultations.

In 2024, the enforcement began on February 1st, but it was temporarily halted to ensure consensus among all parties. By December 2024, the minister extended the moratorium by an additional year, pushing the deadline to December 2025.

Risks for Adults and Broader Implications

While the focus is on protecting children, Adeyeye also warned about the risks associated with adult consumption. “Even as an adult, taking alcohol while working can be dangerous,” she said. The ease of access to sachet alcohol makes it a concern for all users, not just minors.

Despite the health rationale, the ban has sparked protests from civil society organizations and employees of companies producing sachet alcohol. These groups argue that the ban could have significant economic consequences, potentially affecting millions of Nigerians directly or indirectly.

Adeyeye stressed that the policy is based on scientific evidence and global best practices. She pointed out that the World Health Assembly, in 2010, called for countries to make alcohol less accessible to children. Over 183 countries, including Nigeria, have committed to this goal.

Protecting the Next Generation

The core message behind the ban is clear: children cannot tolerate alcohol the same way adults do. Their organs are still developing, and they lack the ability to make responsible decisions about alcohol use. “Adults can choose to drink themselves to death. They are responsible. But children, no,” Adeyeye concluded.

By implementing this ban, NAFDAC aims to create a safer environment for the younger generation, ensuring that they are not exposed to the harmful effects of alcohol at an early age. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to public health and the well-being of future generations.