The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the ban on sachet and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic drinks. This stance was reiterated by NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, following a protest by manufacturers and union members at the agency’s Lagos office. The protesters, carrying placards, urged the Federal Government to intervene and stop NAFDAC’s enforcement of the ban on sachet and small-sized alcoholic beverages.
According to Prof. Adeyeye, the enforcement is grounded in law, and only a legislative change can prompt the agency to halt its actions. She emphasized that NAFDAC is fulfilling its statutory responsibilities, which include regulating the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, and use of alcohol. The Director-General pointed out that the legislature has directed the agency to perform these duties, and it will continue to do so unless the law changes.
The ban on sachet and small-sized alcoholic drinks aligns with global health standards and the Sustainable Development Goal 3.5, which aims to reduce harmful alcohol consumption. Manufacturers were given a five-year moratorium, with an additional one-year extension, to adjust their production and business plans. Prof. Adeyeye warned that easy access to alcohol by children can lead to substance abuse and long-term health problems, while excessive consumption by adults can cause liver damage and other serious health risks.
The Director-General urged parents to monitor their children and called on community and religious leaders to support NAFDAC’s public health campaign. She stressed that no individual has the right to prioritize profits over the health and well-being of others. By enforcing the ban, NAFDAC aims to protect the health of Nigerians, particularly vulnerable populations such as children and young adults. The agency’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to promote public health and reduce the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
