The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confirmed plans to outlaw the production and sale of alcohol in sachets and bottles under 200 millilitres starting December 2025.
NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made the announcement during a media conference in Abuja on Tuesday. She highlighted how these compact, low-cost packages have fueled addiction issues, particularly among young people and vehicle operators.
“These high-strength drinks in small, easy-to-hide formats are cheap and readily available, contributing to higher rates of addiction, family disputes, traffic incidents, educational dropouts, and other societal problems,” Adeyeye explained.
The policy follows a Senate directive last Thursday, which mandated NAFDAC to enforce the ban without further delays. The motion, led by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong from Cross River South, criticized the agency’s past extensions—from 2023 to 2024, and then to 2025—arguing that such postponements have encouraged producers to push for more time.
Ekpenyong warned that additional delays would erode public confidence and contradict Nigeria’s adherence to global health protocols.
Adeyeye noted that the ban stems from ongoing worries about the accessibility of these products, which have exacerbated health and social challenges. She referenced a prior agreement with industry players for a gradual phase-out, but emphasized that the Senate’s decision is now binding, with no room for extensions.
She called on producers, sellers, and distributors to prepare for compliance well in advance.
“This isn’t about punishment—it’s about protection,” Adeyeye stressed. “We’re prioritizing the health of our youth and the nation’s future over temporary profits. A healthy population is the foundation of true prosperity.”
The initiative is backed by data showing the negative impacts of these beverages on communities nationwide.