NAFDAC Orders Total Ban on Alcohol Sachets and Small Bottles by December 2025
By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News
ABUJA — Nigeria News Today: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reaffirmed its decision to enforce a total ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and bottles below 200ml, effective December 2025.
Senate Directive and Enforcement Deadline
NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, made the announcement at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, citing the Senate’s recent resolution calling for urgent action against the sale of cheap alcoholic drinks easily accessible to minors.
According to Adeyeye, the proliferation of small-sized alcohol products has worsened youth addiction, underage drinking, and social vices. She linked the misuse of these beverages to rising cases of domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts, and other crimes.
Health-First Policy Approach
“This ban is not punitive; it is protective,” Adeyeye said. “It is aimed at safeguarding the health and future of our children and youth. We cannot continue to sacrifice the well-being of Nigerians for short-term economic gain.”
The NAFDAC boss noted that the directive aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Organization’s Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol (WHA63.13, 2010).
Background and Compliance
NAFDAC had earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding with industry stakeholders, including the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), for a phased ban. The previous deadline of January 2024 has now been extended to December 2025—the final cutoff date for compliance.
Only two categories of alcoholic beverages are affected by the regulation: spirit drinks packaged in sachets and small-volume PET/glass bottles below 200ml. Adeyeye emphasized that there will be no further extension after December 2025.
Collaboration and Enforcement
NAFDAC plans to work with the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and security agencies to ensure full enforcement beginning January 2026.
For ongoing updates on national health policy, visit Nigeria News Today on The Bureau News.
