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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confirmed that the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and bottles smaller than 200 millilitres will be completely prohibited by December 2025.
The agency’s Director General, Mojisola Adeyeye, announced the enforcement during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, explaining that the move aims to curb the increasing abuse of cheap alcoholic drinks, especially among youths and commercial drivers.
“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,” Adeyeye said.
The decision follows a Senate resolution directing NAFDAC to enforce the total ban, emphasizing that no further extensions would be allowed. The resolution came after a motion by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), who expressed concern over repeated delays despite the public health risks.
Ekpenyong noted that earlier deadlines had been set for 2023, later postponed to 2024 and 2025, a pattern that encouraged some manufacturers to continue lobbying for more time. He warned that any further delay would constitute a “betrayal of public trust” and undermine Nigeria’s commitment to international health and safety standards.
Adeyeye said the new directive is in line with the Senate’s concerns over the dangers posed by low-cost alcoholic drinks in sachets. She recalled that NAFDAC had previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding with stakeholders for a phased withdrawal, but previous deadlines had been extended.
She reiterated that the December 2025 deadline is final and urged all manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to comply fully ahead of the enforcement date.
“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,” Adeyeye added.
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