NAFDAC has reaffirmed that the Federal Government's policy targets sachet and other small-pack alcoholic drinks rather than alcohol itself, citing concerns that the products are easily concealed by underage consumers.
The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to enforcing the ban on sachet and small-pack alcoholic beverages, clarifying that the policy is aimed at protecting children and young people rather than banning alcohol entirely.
Speaking on the agency's ongoing enforcement campaign, Adeyeye stressed that many reports have misrepresented the policy. According to her, the Federal Government did not prohibit alcohol consumption but specifically banned alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and containers below the approved size because they are easily concealed and accessible to minors.
"The Federal Government has banned small pack sizes—not alcohol—small pack sizes that children can easily hide from their parents and teachers," the NAFDAC Director-General stated while explaining the rationale behind the enforcement exercise.
Adeyeye said the widespread availability of inexpensive sachet alcohol has contributed to underage drinking and alcohol abuse among young people. She noted that despite warning labels indicating that alcoholic beverages are not meant for children, the small packaging has made it easier for minors to obtain and conceal the products.
The renewed clarification comes as NAFDAC intensifies nationwide enforcement against manufacturers, distributors and retailers dealing in alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres. In recent days, the agency sealed several factories in Ogun State for allegedly violating the Federal Government's directive by continuing to produce banned products.
NAFDAC explained that the enforcement exercise forms part of broader public health efforts to reduce alcohol abuse, especially among adolescents and young adults. The agency maintained that the restriction is intended to discourage easy access to alcoholic beverages by vulnerable groups while promoting responsible alcohol consumption among adults.
The agency also appealed to manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers to comply fully with the regulation, warning that anyone found producing, distributing or selling prohibited sachet alcohol products would face sanctions under existing laws. Members of the public were encouraged to report violations to the nearest NAFDAC office.
Public health experts have welcomed the continued enforcement, arguing that limiting access to small-pack alcoholic drinks could help reduce underage drinking, improve public health outcomes and strengthen efforts to protect children from substance abuse.