The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has resumed enforcement of the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small PET or glass bottles below 200 millilitres, in line with a resolution of the Senate and the agency’s public health mandate.
The enforcement exercise, which is being carried out with the support of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is aimed at curbing the harmful use of alcohol, particularly among children, adolescents and young adults.
NAFDAC explained that the widespread availability, affordability and ease of concealment of alcohol in sachets and small containers have contributed significantly to underage access, misuse and addiction. The agency noted that such trends are linked to social problems including road traffic accidents, school dropouts and other vices.
The agency, however, clarified that the enforcement does not involve the closure of any alcohol-producing company. According to NAFDAC, the restriction applies strictly to spirit drinks packaged in sachets and in PET or glass bottles below 200ml, while alcoholic beverages in larger volumes remain approved for production and sale in Nigeria.
NAFDAC recalled that in December 2018, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with industry stakeholders to phase out sachet and small-volume alcohol packaging, with an initial deadline of January 31, 2024. The moratorium was later extended to December 2025 to allow manufacturers exhaust existing stock and adjust their production processes.
The agency said the current enforcement is consistent with the agreement reached with manufacturers as well as Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Assembly Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol.
Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, said the ban is intended to protect public health rather than punish manufacturers.
“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 said.
NAFDAC urged all stakeholders to comply fully with the directive, stressing that no further extensions beyond December 2025 will be granted.
