‘Not Punitive but Protective’ — NAFDAC Defends Sachet Alcohol Ban
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has defended its renewed enforcement of the ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and containers below 200 millilitres, insisting that the policy is driven by public health concerns rather than punishment of manufacturers. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
The agency clarified that no alcohol-producing company has been shut down, stressing that the restriction applies strictly to sachet alcohol and small plastic or glass bottles below the approved volume.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the enforcement was in line with a Senate resolution and the agency’s mandate to protect public health, particularly among young people.
“NAFDAC has resumed enforcement of the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small-volume PET or glass bottles below 200ml,” Adeyeye said.
She explained that the policy was introduced to address the growing problem of alcohol abuse among minors and young adults.
According to Adeyeye, small and inexpensive alcohol packs have made it easier for underage drinkers to access alcohol without detection.
She noted that warning labels such as “Not for children” have proven ineffective, as many parents remain unaware that their children consume sachet alcohol due to its low cost and easy concealment.
“Many parents do not even know their children consume sachet alcohol because the pack size is small, cheap and easily concealed,” she added.
The NAFDAC boss cited reports from schools, including an instance where a pupil allegedly claimed he could not sit for an examination without first taking sachet alcohol.
NAFDAC further explained that the renewed enforcement followed an agreement reached with alcohol manufacturers in 2018 to phase out sachet and small-pack alcohol by January 2024.
She said the deadline was later extended to December 2025 to allow producers sufficient time to adjust.
“This ban is not punitive; it is protective. The health of a nation is its true wealth,” Adeyeye stated.
While acknowledging concerns raised by industry groups and labour unions over possible job losses, NAFDAC maintained that no further extensions would be granted.
The agency urged full compliance from manufacturers and distributors, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding public health and reducing alcohol-related harm across the country.