…Says No Company Has Been Shut Down
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has resumed enforcement of the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and small bottles, clarifying that no alcohol-producing company has been shut down as a result of the action.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the agency said the enforcement applies to alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and in PET or glass bottles with a capacity of less than 200 millilitres. It explained that the move is in line with a Senate resolution and its public health mandate.
According to NAFDAC, the enforcement, which is supported by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is aimed at reducing the harmful use of alcohol, especially among children, adolescents, and young adults.
The agency noted that the low cost, easy concealment and widespread availability of alcohol in sachets and small containers have contributed to underage drinking, misuse and addiction. It added that these trends have led to serious social problems such as road accidents, school dropouts, and other social vices.
NAFDAC stressed that the current action does not involve the closure of any alcohol-producing company.
It explained that the restriction is limited to two packaging categories: spirit drinks in sachets and in PET or glass bottles below 200 millilitres. Alcoholic drinks packaged in larger volumes, the agency said, remain approved for production and sale in Nigeria.
The agency recalled that in December 2018, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with industry stakeholders to phase out sachet and small-volume alcohol packaging.
The initial deadline of 31 January 2024 was later extended to December 2025 to allow manufacturers to exhaust existing stock and reconfigure their production lines.
NAFDAC said the renewed enforcement is in line with that agreement and Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Assembly Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol.
Speaking on the issue, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, said: “This ban is not punitive; it is protective. It is designed to safeguard children and young people from easy access to alcohol and the long-term consequences of misuse. The health of Nigerians, especially the younger population, must take priority.”
She added that all stakeholders must comply fully, noting that no further extensions beyond December 2025 will be granted.
NAFDAC urged manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to align with the directive in the interest of public health and national well-being.
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