The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has explained the rationale behind the enforcement of the ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and in PET and glass bottles below 200 millilitres, citing grave public health concerns.
Speaking to the media, Prof. Adeyeye said the affected products pose significant risks due to their easy accessibility and widespread abuse, particularly among young people. She noted that the policy is designed to curb alcohol-related harm and does not amount to a prohibition of alcohol consumption.
According to her, the decision followed extensive consultations with the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and key industry stakeholders. She emphasised that approved alcoholic beverages remain legal and available in packaging formats that comply with existing regulations.
Prof. Adeyeye reaffirmed NAFDAC’s resolve to ensure firm but fair enforcement of the ban across the country, in collaboration with relevant regulatory and security agencies. She added that the agency would continue to engage stakeholders in a responsible manner to ensure smooth implementation.
She urged the public and industry operators to cooperate with the policy, stressing that the protection of lives and the promotion of public health remain NAFDAC’s highest priorities.
