The Nigerian Senate has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to begin full enforcement of the ban on high-strength alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets by December 2025.
Lawmakers also ruled out any further extensions, ending speculation that manufacturers might receive additional grace periods.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, titled “Need to halt further extension of the phase-out of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachet formats.”
The move signals a decisive push by lawmakers to prioritize public health over industry lobbying.
Background to the Ban
Senator Ekpeyong explained that NAFDAC, in line with international standards and after extensive stakeholder consultations, introduced a phased ban on the production and distribution of sachet-packaged alcohol. In 2018, a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by stakeholders including the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), NAFDAC, and industry associations like the Association of Food, Beverage & Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN).
The MoU outlined a gradual withdrawal of sachet alcohol products, citing growing health and social risks tied to their affordability and easy access. Lawmakers noted that these small, inexpensive sachets have fueled consumption among minors, commercial drivers, and vulnerable groups.
Public Health Concerns
Ekpeyong emphasized that despite the initial five-year phase-out plan, the Federal Government granted a one-year extension in 2024 to allow manufacturers to deplete existing stock and transition to safer packaging. This extension shifted the final deadline to December 2025.
However, the senator warned that some manufacturers have resumed lobbying for another extension, a move he described as “undermining regulatory authority, threatening public health, and distorting fair competition.” He added that the continued sale of high-strength sachet alcohol contributes to “youth addiction, road accidents, school dropouts, domestic violence, and other social vices.”
Senate’s Directives to Regulators
Following deliberations, the Senate instructed the Federal Ministry of Health to remove all obstacles preventing NAFDAC from enforcing the ban. Lawmakers also called for the immediate release of the National Alcohol Policy to strengthen regulations and prohibit sachet packaging of high-strength beverages.
The Senate urged relevant agencies to intensify public education on the dangers of irresponsible alcohol use. With the new directive, all manufacturers must comply by December 2025, marking the end of years of delay and industry resistance.