The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has defended its enforcement of the nationwide ban on alcoholic beverages sold in sachets and small PET or glass bottles below 200 milliliters, citing concerns over child health and public safety.
NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, said the agency’s move is aimed at preventing underage access to highly concentrated alcohol. Speaking on a television program, she noted that manufacturers were initially given a five-year moratorium starting in 2018, which was later extended by an additional year.
“The agreement expired in January 2024, prompting NAFDAC to begin enforcement,” Adeyeye said. “The Senate subsequently directed us to resume regulation after the moratorium expired.” She added that the agency has not been served with any court order halting the enforcement.
Adeyeye acknowledged that industry groups, including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, have opposed the ban, warning that it could lead to job losses and business disruptions. She, however, emphasized that alternative packaging options remain available for manufacturers.
The NAFDAC boss also explained the public health rationale behind the ban, saying that children’s bodies are particularly vulnerable to high concentrations of alcohol. “By the time a child consumes five sachets, their liver is being affected in ways that could lead to serious health problems later in life,” she said.
Adeyeye dismissed claims that the ban targets alcohol companies, stressing that adult consumers are still free to purchase larger-packaged alcoholic beverages. “It is not about banning alcohol,” she said. “It is about concealment and accessibility. Children can easily hide and consume small sachets, which is why we must regulate this packaging.”
The agency has also engaged in regular consultations with industry stakeholders, Adeyeye said, adding that it has brought over $2 billion in investment into the pharmaceutical and food manufacturing sectors due to stronger regulatory frameworks.
NAFDAC’s enforcement has sparked nationwide debate, with unions and manufacturers warning of economic repercussions, while the agency maintains that public health considerations must take priority.
