What Is Forcing Us To Ban Alcohol In Sachets – NAFDAC

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has expressed concern over alcohol in sachets, especially the proliferation in its production and sale in the country.

It has also restated its resolve in its production and sale, identifying dangers associated with alcohol in sachets.

The Director-General of the agency, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, said these much in a press release, adding that it would now enforce to the latter, the total ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small-volume PET/glass bottles (below 200ml) by December 2025.

According to her, this is in line with a recent directive of the Senate backed by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

It had been triggered by the realisation of a widespread misuse and addiction of the said products among minors and commercial drivers, thereby portending danger for the larger society.

NAFDAC calls it a public health menace which has been linked to increased incidences of domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts, and social vices across communities.

Meanwhile, as far back as December 2018, NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) had 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) to phase out sachet and small-volume alcohol packaging by January 31, 2024. The moratorium was later extended to December 2025 to allow industry operators to exhaust old stock and reconfigure production lines.

With the current state of things, the agency is no longer willing to wait, but to commence enforcement by December.

According to Professor Adeyey“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.”

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According to NAFDAC, only two categories of alcoholic beverages are affected by this regulation—spirit drinks packaged in sachets and small-volume PET/glass bottles below 200ml.

It is appealing to stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, to comply fully with the phase-out deadline, as no further extension would be entertained beyond December 2025.

It has promised however to 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 sensitisation 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”, the release stated.