NAFDAC Moves to Eliminate Sachet and Small-Bottle Alcohol.
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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has ordered the ban of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and small bottles of less than 200 milliliters, effective from December 2025. Announcing the decision in Abuja, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, said the move was aimed at protecting public health and addressing the growing social problems associated with the widespread consumption of such products. According to her, “the availability of cheap and easily concealable sachet alcohol has led to increased access by minors, commercial drivers and other vulnerable groups.” She added that the packaging style had encouraged misuse and contributed to “a rise in domestic violence, road accidents and other social vices across the country.” The agency recalled that an earlier agreement was reached in December 2018 with the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria to phase out sachet and small-volume bottles of alcohol by January 2024. That deadline was later extended to December 2025, which Prof. Adeyeye confirmed will be the final grace period before full enforcement begins in January 2026. She explained that the decision aligns with Nigeria’s obligations under the World Health Organization’s Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol. “NAFDAC will no longer allow the production or sale of spirit drinks in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml. Manufacturers must now reconfigure their operations to comply with the new directive,” she said. The agency emphasised that it would work closely with law enforcement and regulatory partners, including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, to ensure full compliance once the deadline lapses. While the policy is expected to help curb underage drinking and alcohol abuse, concerns remain about enforcement and the potential emergence of black-market sales. Nevertheless, NAFDAC insists the measure is a necessary step towards safeguarding public health and reducing the harmful impact of cheap alcoholic beverages in the country.
| 2025-11-11 17:20:35