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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially drawn a battle line against the proliferation of high-concentration alcohol in small, cheap packaging. Following a direct “matching order” from the Nigerian Senate, the agency has commenced full-scale enforcement of the ban on alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml.
During a media parley in Lagos on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made it clear that the grace period for manufacturers has ended. The move follows years of back-and-forth negotiations, a temporary suspension for consultations, and a final legislative directive to prioritize public health over economic convenience.
A Shield for the Vulnerable
The core of the agency’s mission is the protection of Nigeria’s youth. Prof. Adeyeye emphasized that NAFDAC is not “anti-alcohol” but is firmly opposed to packaging that makes potent spirits as accessible as candy to minors.
“The proliferation of high-alcohol-content beverages in sachets and small containers has made such products easily accessible, affordable, and concealable,” she stated. The agency warned that the ease with which a child or adolescent can hide a 100ml sachet in a pocket or school bag has directly contributed to rising rates of addiction and social vices.
A History of High Concentrations
Prof. Adeyeye revealed a startling reality from the start of her tenure: sachet alcohol was being produced with concentrations as high as 50% to 90%. In 2018, the agency ordered manufacturers to reformulate these products to a maximum of 30% alcohol.
Despite resistance from industry players who cited concerns over job losses and investment setbacks, the Federal Ministry of Health initially granted a five-year transition period from December 2018 to January 31, 2024 for businesses to reconfigure their operations.
With that moratorium long expired and the Senate’s recent intervention, NAFDAC is now moving to clear these products from the shelves entirely.
Beyond Health: A National Security Concern
The agency is framing the ban as a matter of national security. According to NAFDAC, the accessibility of sachet alcohol is linked to increased domestic violence, road accidents, and school dropouts. There is also a significant concern that early exposure to high-strength alcohol serves as a “gateway” to harder drugs and criminal behavior.
No More Extensions
While the Federal Government had briefly halted enforcement in late 2025 to allow for final consultations, the green light has now been given. NAFDAC teams are currently on the ground to ensure that production lines for these specific sizes are shut down and existing stock is removed from the market.
“We cannot continue to sacrifice the well-being of Nigerians for short-term economic gain,” Adeyeye reaffirmed, signaling that the era of the “pocket-sized” spirit is officially over in Nigeria.
