The Federal Government has officially banned the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and bottles below 200 millilitres, in a decisive move to curb alcohol abuse and protect public health.
The announcement was made by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which stated that the decision followed the expiration of a previously granted grace period to manufacturers.
According to NAFDAC, the ban aims to reduce the accessibility of high-alcohol-content drinks, particularly among underage individuals and vulnerable populations, who are often drawn to the cheaper, smaller-sized alcoholic sachets and bottles.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized that the measure aligns with the government’s broader public health and safety objectives. She noted that alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and small bottles had become a major contributor to substance abuse and related social problems across the country.
“The era of consuming alcohol in sachets is over. These products are often easily accessible to children and young adults, and their continued availability poses serious health and social risks,” Adeyeye said.
She added that enforcement teams have been directed to begin nationwide monitoring to ensure full compliance, warning that violators will face strict penalties, including product seizures and prosecution.
The decision has, however, sparked mixed reactions among stakeholders. While health advocates and civil society groups have applauded the move as a necessary step toward reducing alcohol abuse, some manufacturers and distributors have expressed concern over potential job losses and economic impact within the beverage sector.
The ban, first proposed several years ago, was implemented in phases to allow manufacturers to adjust production lines and deplete existing stocks. With the grace period now over, the government says full enforcement will commence immediately.
