The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced enforcement of the ban on production and sale of alcohol in sachets and pet bottles below 200ml. According to NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency has received a directive from the senate to proceed with the ban. This development follows an earlier announcement by NAFDAC on November 11, 2025, to enforce a total ban on the production and sale of these items by December 2025.
The initial proposed enforcement was halted after the Federal Government called for the suspension of all actions related to the ban. However, with the new directive from the senate, NAFDAC has begun enforcing the ban to safeguard public health and protect vulnerable populations, including 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 these products easily accessible, affordable, and concealable. NAFDAC’s decision to enforce the ban aims to prevent the easy access of children to these products. The agency is not opposed to alcohol consumption but is concerned about the high concentration of alcohol in sachets and small bottles.
Prior to her position as NAFDAC boss, sachet alcohol had a high concentration of 50 to 90 percent. The agency had requested manufacturers to reduce the content to 30 percent, but they expressed concerns about job losses and investment. The then Minister of Health granted them a five-year period, from December 2018 to January 31, 2024, to adjust their business operations.
NAFDAC has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s health, particularly the safety of vulnerable groups like children, through its regulatory activities. The agency’s enforcement of the ban marks a significant step in protecting public health and preventing the harmful effects of excessive alcohol consumption. As the enforcement continues, NAFDAC will closely monitor the situation to ensure compliance and take necessary actions to protect the health and wellbeing of Nigerians. The agency’s efforts are crucial in promoting a healthier environment and reducing the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
