NAFDAC has begun enforcing the ban on alcohol sold in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 200ml, signalling a major step in protecting public health across Nigeria.
This move follows months of anticipation after the Senate directed authorities to curb easy access to high-strength alcohol, especially for children, adolescents, and young adults.
NAFDAC Resumes Enforcement
On Wednesday, NAFDAC Director-General Professor Mojisola Adeyeye announced at a media briefing in Lagos that the agency received the Senate’s official order.
Consequently, NAFDAC resumed enforcement after the Federal Government temporarily suspended actions to allow further consultations.
Initially, NAFDAC had planned to implement the ban by December 2025.
However, the government’s pause created uncertainty among regulators and manufacturers.
Now, with consultations completed, Adeyeye confirmed that the agency has full authority to proceed.
Protecting Vulnerable Groups
She explained, “We have started enforcing the ban on alcohol in sachets and bottles below 200ml, following the Senate’s order.”
She emphasised that small alcohol packages remain cheap, easy to hide, and widely accessible, which increases the risk of abuse among vulnerable groups.
Furthermore, Adeyeye clarified that NAFDAC does not oppose alcohol itself but actively targets high-strength products in forms children can easily access.
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Before her tenure, sachet alcohol contained between 50% and 90% alcohol.
The agency then instructed producers to reduce the content to 30%, but manufacturers resisted, citing potential job losses and investment risks.
Decisive Action Underway
As a result, the Federal Government granted a five-year grace period for adjustment, which ended in January 2024.
Adeyeye stated that the elapsed period justified renewed enforcement.
She also reassured that NAFDAC will continue engaging stakeholders while ensuring public health compliance.
Finally, the Senate motion, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, had called for an end to delays in phasing out sachet alcohol.
With enforcement now underway, Nigeria enters a decisive chapter in curbing high-strength, small-packaged alcohol abuse.
