The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified that its enforcement of the ban on alcoholic beverages in sachets and small bottles is designed to protect children and young people, not to penalize manufacturers.
In a statement released Thursday, January 29, NAFDAC director general Mojisola Adeyeye emphasized that the policy stems from mounting public health concerns and evidence showing that alcohol packaged in sachets and containers below 200 millilitres has fueled underage drinking across Nigeria.
The agency recently launched enforcement of the ban following a senate directive, supported by the ministry of health and social welfare. Adeyeye explained that the small, inexpensive packaging of high alcohol content drinks makes them easily accessible, affordable and concealable, contributing to widespread misuse among minors and some commercial drivers.
“This ban is not punitive; it is protective. It is aimed at safeguarding the health and future of our children and youth by not allowing alcohol in small pack sizes,” the statement read.
Adeyeye added that labeling such products as unsuitable for children proves ineffective in Nigeria’s social context, as many parents remain unaware their children consume sachet alcohol because it can be easily hidden. School reports confirm that children conceal the sachets, she noted.
The agency stressed that it has not closed down any company that produces alcohol. Instead, the ban specifically targets alcohol in sachets and small containers less than 200 millilitres.
NAFDAC recalled that manufacturers received a six year moratorium to phase out sachet and small volume alcohol packaging. The ban became effective only after the ultimatum expired.
The agency stated that the current senate resolution aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Assembly’s global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol, which seeks to protect vulnerable groups, particularly children and young people.
“We cannot continue to sacrifice the wellbeing of Nigerians for economic gain. The health of a nation is its true wealth,” the statement concluded.
The enforcement has sparked controversy, with industry groups and protesters warning of potential job losses and economic disruption. The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently estimated that the ban threatens over five million jobs and puts 800 billion naira in investments at risk.
However, NAFDAC maintains that protecting children from early alcohol exposure remains paramount, citing evidence that easy access to cheap, small packaged alcohol has contributed to domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts and other social problems.
The ban follows years of consultation and delays. In December 2018, NAFDAC signed a memorandum of understanding with the federal ministry of health, industry bodies and manufacturers, originally setting January 2024 as the deadline. Following industry protests citing job losses, the deadline was extended to December 2025.
Despite federal government directives in December 2025 suspending the ban pending further consultations, NAFDAC has proceeded with enforcement, asserting its statutory mandate to safeguard public health.
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