The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially begun enforcing a ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml.
NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, announced the development at a media briefing in Lagos on Wednesday, saying the move follows a directive from the Senate to protect public health, especially among children, adolescents, and young adults.
“After receiving the Senate’s order, we have commenced enforcement to stop the production and sale of alcohol in sachets and small bottles. NAFDAC is not against alcohol itself, but we are committed to preventing the easy access of high-alcohol-content drinks to vulnerable populations,” Adeyeye said.
She noted that small-size alcoholic drinks, which previously contained between 50 and 90 percent alcohol, were widely accessible and affordable, making them a public health hazard. Manufacturers were previously allowed a five-year adjustment period to comply with regulations, but the agency says the ban is now non-negotiable.
Adeyeye stressed that the ban aligns with NAFDAC’s mandate to safeguard the nation’s health through regulatory measures. “We urge manufacturers and sellers to comply immediately. This is to protect our youth and ensure public safety,” she added.
The agency also highlighted that failure to comply with the ban will attract sanctions under Nigeria’s food and drug regulations.