NAFDAC clarifies sachet alcohol ban, says temporary lifting ends December 31

By Achimi muktar

By Achimi Muktar

If you thought the sachet alcohol ban was gone for good, think again. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially clarified that the temporary lifting of the ban will expire on December 31, 2025 — after which full enforcement will return with no exceptions.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday, Kenneth Azikiwe, Director of NAFDAC’s FCT Directorate, made it crystal clear that the ministerial decision to suspend the ban was not permanent, despite rumors and misinformation spreading among manufacturers and consumers.

“There is a ministerial lifting on the ban on sachet alcohol, but it is only temporary and will be reviewed by December 31, 2025,” Azikiwe stated.

He explained that the temporary relief was granted to give manufacturers and regulators time to align on a structured and effective phase-out process. Once the grace period ends, alcohol in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 200ml will be completely off the shelves.

Nationwide Awareness in Full Swing

Azikiwe also highlighted the agency’s nationwide sensitization campaign aimed at educating both sellers and consumers. He emphasized that alcohol should never be sold to anyone under the age of 18, a regulation already displayed on product labels.

“We’ve taken the message to every state. Distributors are aware, and we’re working closely with industry stakeholders to enforce compliance,” he added.

He further commended the Distillers and Beverages Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) for supporting the agency’s awareness drive.

A Ban Rooted in Public Health

NAFDAC’s crackdown on sachet alcohol began on February 1, 2024, as part of a broader effort to combat the public health risks associated with cheap, easily accessible alcohol — especially among underage users and low-income communities.

The decision to ban alcohol in packaging smaller than 200ml followed growing concerns about alcohol-related health issues, addiction, and road accidents, as well as findings that minors could easily purchase these products due to their affordability and availability.

The Long Road to Enforcement

This regulatory push didn’t come out of the blue. The groundwork was laid in December 2018, when a five-year moratorium was agreed upon between key stakeholders: NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health, DIBAN, the Association of Food, Beverage & Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

The agreement gave manufacturers enough time to scale down production of sachet and mini-bottle alcohol, and to invest in alternative packaging that discourages abuse.

Facing Resistance and Misconceptions

Despite the long notice, the ban faced stiff resistance from industry players who warned of job losses and negative economic impacts. Some critics accused the government of not properly consulting stakeholders before enforcing the ban.

But with the December 2025 deadline looming, NAFDAC has made it clear: there will be no extension. Sachet alcohol, once seen as a convenient fix for many Nigerians, is on its final countdown — and this time, the end is near.