NAFDAC Reaffirms Ban on Small Alcohol Bottles and Sachets to Protect Public Health

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small-volume PET or glass bottles below 200ml, with full compliance expected by December 2025.

The move follows a directive from the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and aims to protect public health, particularly children, adolescents, and young adults, from the harmful effects of alcohol.

NAFDAC highlighted that the widespread availability and affordability of high-alcohol-content beverages in small packaging contributes to misuse, addiction, domestic violence, road accidents, and school dropouts.

This policy traces back to 2018, when NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with industry associations, including the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), to phase out these products by January 31, 2024. The deadline was later extended to December 2025 to allow producers to exhaust old stock and adjust production lines.

According to NAFDAC, the ban is protective, not punitive, and is based on scientific evidence and public health considerations. “We cannot continue to sacrifice the wellbeing of Nigerians for short-term economic gain. The health of a nation is its true wealth,” said Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General/CEO of NAFDAC.

The regulation only affects spirit drinks packaged in sachets and bottles below 200ml, and manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are urged to comply fully, as no further extensions will be granted.

NAFDAC also confirmed it will continue working with the Federal Ministry of Health, FCCPC, and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify nationwide sensitization campaigns on the health and social dangers of alcohol misuse.

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