NAFDAC enforces full ban on sachet alcoholic drinks

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control(NAFDAC) has commenced enforcement of the Federal Government’s ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET/ plastic bottles below 200ml.

The agency said  manufacturers found in  violation of the ban have been required to sign an Irrevocable Enforcement Undertakings through the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria(DIBAN) and the Association of Food, Beverage and Tabacco.

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this development in a press statement sighted by Pharmanewsonline. 

She said the enforcement would involve manufacturers, markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars and distribution centres nationwide.

The DG further stated that the enforcement followed the expiration of the transition periods granted to manufacturers to comply with the prohibition, which took full effect on January 1, 2026.

NAFDAC DG recalled the agency’s policy with manufacturers that products would be destroyed under its supervision, with the manufacturers bearing the cost of the destruction.

She stated that affected facilities would not be permitted to reopen until the agency had verified the dismantling, permanent disabling or reconfiguration of production lines used for the prohibited pack sizes and confirmed compliance with other regulatory requirements.

The agency warned that defaulting companies could face continued closure of their facilities, placement on NAFDAC’s Regulatory Watchlist, suspension or revocation of product registrations, investigative charges, prosecution and other regulatory or legal sanctions.

The prohibition followed concerns first raised in 2018 over the widespread availability of high-alcohol-content beverages in small, inexpensive and easily concealed packages, which NAFDAC said could increase access to alcohol among children and young.

The agency said the enforcement was primarily a public health measure aimed at reducing children and young persons’ access to high-alcohol-content products and curbing alcohol-related harm.

NAFDAC DG urged members of the public to report the manufacture, distribution or sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets or PET/plastic bottles below 200ml through its official communication channels or at the nearest NAFDAC office.