The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has started enforcing a ban on producing and selling alcoholic drinks in sachets and PET bottles under 200 milliliters, officials announced on Thursday.
At a media briefing, NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye told reporters enforcement had started after the Senate directed the agency to act.
“We have already started enforcement to ban alcohol production in sachets and bottles below 200ml after receiving an order from the Senate to proceed,” she said.
The move follows months of debate.
Lawmakers had set a December 2025 deadline for the ban to protect children and young people from cheap, easily hidden high-strength drinks, the Senate said when it backed the measure.
But enforcement was briefly suspended in mid-December while the Federal Government reviewed the policy ahead of the busy “Detty December” season, Nigeria Info reported, with the suspension delaying action pending further consultations.
NAFDAC and health officials say the ban aims to reduce alcohol misuse and protect public health.
Regulators warned manufacturers and sellers that penalties will follow for noncompliance, and urged consumers to report illegal sales.
Industry groups had lobbied for more time, arguing the change affects small producers and traders.
The agency said it will work with other federal bodies on public education and inspections.
Investigations and enforcement actions are ongoing as officials move to remove sachet and very small-bottle alcoholic products from the market.
