NAFDAC To Enforce Ban On Sachet And Small PET Bottle Alcohol From January 2026
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced that it will begin enforcing the ban on alcohol sold in sachets and small PET bottles from January 2026. Speaking in Abuja, NAFDAC Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye said the agency is committed to protecting public health, emphasizing that safeguarding Nigerians’ well-being is a top priority. The ban targets the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles with capacities under 200ml, with full compliance expected by December 2025. The move follows a Senate directive and has the backing of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. Adeyeye noted that small, inexpensive containers of high-alcohol drinks are easily concealable and contribute to misuse and addiction, particularly among minors and commercial drivers. She added that their widespread availability has been linked to domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts, and other social problems affecting families and communities. She recalled that in December 2018, NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission signed a five-year agreement with the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria. The original deadline of January 2024 was later extended to December 2025 to allow manufacturers time to adjust production and deplete existing stock. Adeyeye said the ban aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Organization’s Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol and is intended to protect, not punish. She stressed that the health and future of children and young adults must take precedence over short-term economic gains. Only spirit drinks packaged in sachets and small PET or glass bottles under 200ml are affected by the ban. Adeyeye urged all manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to comply with the December 2025 deadline, warning that no further extensions will be granted. She added that NAFDAC will collaborate with the Ministry of Health, the FCCPC, and the National Orientation Agency to intensify public awareness campaigns on the dangers of alcohol misuse, reaffirming the agency’s mission to ensure Nigerians have access only to safe and properly regulated products.