Olayiwola Matthew
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it will fully enforce the ban on sachet alcohol after December 31.
Kenneth Azikiwe, Director of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Directorate of the agency, told NAN on Monday that there has been a “ministerial lifting” of the ban.
Azikiwe noted that the grace provided by the lift on the ban will last till December 31, 2025.
He urged the public to disregard misinformation suggesting that the government had permanently lifted the restriction.
“There is a ministerial lifting on the ban of sachet alcohol, but it is only temporary and will be reviewed by December 31, 2025,” he said.
“After this date, the full enforcement of the ban will commence.
“The minister granted this temporary relief to allow manufacturers and regulators time to collaborate and ensure a more structured and effective implementation of the ban.”
He highlighted NAFDAC’s ongoing efforts to sensitise the public across the country, noting that awareness campaigns had reached every state.
“We have sensitised distributors, and we’ve emphasised that alcohol should not be sold to individuals under the age of 18, which is also clearly indicated on product labels,” he said.
Azikiwe also commended the Distillers and Beverages Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) for supporting the awareness drive.
He reassured members of the public that NAFDAC remains fully committed to regulating alcohol consumption.
He reiterated that sachet alcohol products containing less than 200 ml would be phased out after December 2025.
BACKGROUND
In 2018, the sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 200 ml was banned in Nigeria.
The ban followed a ministerial directive and agreements with key stakeholders, including DIBAN and the Association of Food, Beverage & Tobacco Employers (AFBTE).
Manufacturers were given a phased timeline to halt the production and distribution of the products.