NAFDAC Begins Enforcement of Sachet Alcohol Ban

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has begun enforcing the ban on the production and sale of alcohol in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 200ml.

Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye announced the enforcement at a media briefing in Lagos on Wednesday, confirming that the agency is acting on a directive from the Senate.

NAFDAC first announced plans to implement the ban in November 2025, aiming for full compliance by December 2025. The move was temporarily suspended after the Federal Government requested a pause pending further consultations.

Prof. Adeyeye said the ban is intended to protect public health, particularly children, adolescents, and young adults, from easy access to high-alcohol-content beverages. She highlighted that alcohol sold in small containers is easily accessible, affordable, and concealable, increasing the risk of misuse.

“NAFDAC is not against alcohol, but we are taking steps to limit the proliferation of high-alcohol-content products in sachets and small bottles to prevent access by minors,” she said.

The DG also noted that, prior to her tenure, sachet alcohol contained between 50 and 90 percent alcohol. Efforts to reduce this to 30 percent met resistance from manufacturers, who cited potential job and investment losses. The Health Ministry later allowed a five-year adjustment period, ending January 31, 2024.

Prof. Adeyeye reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to public safety, emphasizing the agency’s regulatory role in safeguarding the health of vulnerable populations.