The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small-volume PET/glass bottles (below 200ml) by December 2025.
This decisive action, ordered by the Nigerian Senate and backed by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, underscores the Agency’s statutory mandate to safeguard public health and protect vulnerable populations—particularly children, adolescents, and young adults—from the harmful use of alcohol.
The proliferation of high-alcohol-content beverages in sachets and small containers has made such products easily accessible, affordable, and concealable, leading to widespread misuse and addiction among minors and commercial drivers.
This public health menace has been linked to increased incidences of domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts, and social vices across communities. The impact of this scourge on Nigeria’s socio-economic fabric cannot be overstated, and NAFDAC’s intervention is a timely and necessary measure to curb this threat.
NAFDAC’s directive is not a new development, but rather a reaffirmation of its commitment to protecting public health. In December 2018, the Agency, along with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) to phase out sachet and small-volume alcohol packaging by January 31, 2024. The moratorium was later extended to December 2025 to allow industry operators to exhaust old stock and reconfigure production lines.
According to Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, “This ban is not punitive; it is protective. It is aimed at safeguarding the health and future of our children and youth. The decision is rooted in scientific evidence and public health considerations. We cannot continue to sacrifice the well-being of Nigerians for short-term economic gain. The health of a nation is its true wealth.”
NAFDAC emphasizes that only two categories of alcoholic beverages are affected by this regulation—spirit drinks packaged in sachets and small-volume PET/glass bottles below 200ml. The Agency calls on all stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, to comply fully with the phase-out deadline, as no further extension will be entertained beyond December 2025.
The Agency’s resolve to enforce this ban is unwavering, and it will work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition. NAFDAC will also continue to implement nationwide sensitization campaigns on the health and social dangers associated with alcohol misuse, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
The Nigerian government has a responsibility to protect its citizens, particularly the vulnerable, from harm. NAFDAC’s action is a demonstration of its commitment to this responsibility, and it is expected that industry operators will comply with the regulation. The health and well-being of Nigerians must take precedence over economic interests, and NAFDAC’s stand on this issue is a testament to its dedication to protecting public health.
As the December 2025 deadline approaches, NAFDAC urges all stakeholders to take necessary steps to comply with the regulation. The Agency assures Nigerians that it will continue to monitor the situation and take enforcement action against any non-compliant products. Together, we can protect Nigeria’s future and promote a healthier society.
In conclusion, NAFDAC’s unwavering stand against harmful alcohol packaging is a beacon of hope for a healthier Nigeria. The Agency’s commitment to protecting public health is commendable, and it is expected that industry operators will comply with the regulation. Together, we can create a safer and healthier environment for all Nigerians.
NAFDAC’s efforts to protect public health are ongoing, and the Agency will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Nigerians have access to safe and healthy products. The ban on sachet and small-volume alcohol packaging is just one of the many initiatives aimed at promoting public health, and NAFDAC remains committed to its mandate of protecting and promoting public health.
The countdown to December 2025 has begun, and NAFDAC is ready to enforce the ban. Industry operators must take necessary steps to comply, and Nigerians must support the Agency’s efforts to protect public health. Together, we can make a difference and create a healthier Nigeria for all.
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