The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced that the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and bottles smaller than 200 millilitres will be completely phased out by December 2025.
The agency’s Director General, Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, explaining that the decision was taken to curb the increasing abuse of cheap alcoholic beverages, particularly among youths and commercial drivers.
According to her, “The proliferation of high-alcohol-content beverages in sachets and small containers has made such products easily accessible, affordable, and concealable, leading to widespread misuse and addiction among minors and commercial drivers.
This public health menace has been linked to increased incidences of domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts, and social vices across communities.”
The announcement came shortly after the Senate directed NAFDAC to enforce a total ban on the production and sale of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and containers below 200 millilitres by December 2025, emphasizing that there would be no further extension of the deadline.
The upper chamber’s resolution followed a motion moved by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), who expressed concern over NAFDAC’s repeated postponement of the enforcement despite clear evidence of public health and social harm.
Ekpenyong reminded lawmakers that the agency had initially set 2023 as the deadline before pushing it to 2024, and later 2025, a trend he said had encouraged manufacturers to continue lobbying for more time. He warned that another delay would amount to a “betrayal of public trust” and weaken Nigeria’s adherence to global health and safety standards.
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Adeyeye explained that the latest directive aligns with the Senate’s resolution highlighting the dangers of the continued availability of low-cost alcoholic drinks in sachets. She recalled that NAFDAC had earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding with stakeholders for a phased withdrawal, but previous deadlines had been extended multiple times.
However, she made it clear that this new deadline is final, warning that no further extensions will be granted. The NAFDAC boss urged all manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to begin full compliance ahead of the enforcement date.
Adeyeye further stressed that the upcoming ban should not be seen as punitive but as a necessary step to protect Nigerians.
“This ban is not punitive; it is protective. It is aimed at safeguarding the health and future of our children and youth. The decision is rooted in scientific evidence and public health considerations. We cannot continue to sacrifice the well-being of Nigerians for short-term economic gain. The health of a nation is its true wealth,” she stated.