The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reiterated that its enforcement of the ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small bottles under 200 ml is primarily a public health protection policy rather than a punitive action against manufacturers or consumers.
In a statement released by the agency, NAFDAC Director‑General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye said the regulation aims to reduce easy access, misuse and harmful consumption patterns associated with very small, inexpensive alcohol packages particularly among youths, underage drinkers and vulnerable populations. The agency noted that sachet‑sized alcohol products are highly affordable, easily concealed and widely available in informal markets, factors that it says contribute to a range of social and health concerns.
NAFDAC emphasised that the current enforcement action targets only spirit drinks in sachets and containers smaller than 200 ml and does not constitute a blanket prohibition on all alcoholic beverages. Larger‑packaged products remain legal and may continue to be manufactured, distributed and sold in compliance with existing regulations.
The agency has called on alcohol producers and distributors to fully comply with the ban, noting that a phase‑out period agreed with industry stakeholders has expired and that no further extensions will be granted. NAFDAC also underscored that it has not shut down any company as part of the enforcement, countering media narratives suggesting otherwise.
NAFDAC said it will collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the National Orientation Agency to boost nationwide education on alcohol‑related health risks and to support compliance with the new regulatory framework. Public campaigns will focus on the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and the rationale behind limiting access to sachet‑sized products.
The move follows a Senate resolution and directives from the Federal Ministry of Health urging stricter controls on small‑packaged alcoholic beverages to curb underage drinking and alcohol‑related harm. NAFDAC’s position reflects broader government efforts to align national policy with international strategies, including the World Health Organization’s framework for reducing harmful use of alcohol.
Retailers and consumer groups have had mixed reactions: some welcome the emphasis on health protection, while others express concern about the economic impact on informal sellers who rely on small‑pack products for daily revenue. NAFDAC has indicated it will engage further with stakeholders to address implementation challenges and ensure clarity on compliance requirements.
