The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially commenced the enforcement of the ban on the importation, manufacture, distribution, sale, and use of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET, and glass bottles of 200ml and below. This decision comes after the expiration of the window period given to manufacturers by NAFDAC to sell off all alcoholic drinks falling within the prohibited categories by January 31, 2024.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, made the announcement during a press conference in Abuja. She revealed that the agency initiated nationwide enforcement actions on February 1, 2024, to ensure the implementation of the new policy. During the enforcement actions, it was discovered that some manufacturers continued to produce the banned products even after the window period elapsed.
Prof Adeyeye expressed the agency’s strong stance against this disobedience to the country’s laws and stated that NAFDAC would employ statutory means, potentially including prosecution, to address the matter. She urged all holders of alcohol in sachets, PET and glass bottles, as well as empty sachets and bottles, to report to the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate of NAFDAC for the handover of these items for destruction.
The ban on alcohol in sachets and small volume containers was recommended by a committee comprising the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, and industry representatives in December 2018. Producers agreed to reduce production by five percent from January 31, 2022, with a complete phase-out by January 31, 2024.
NAFDAC emphasized its commitment to ensuring that the renewal of already registered alcoholic products in the affected category does not exceed the year 2024. Prof Adeyeye underlined NAFDAC’s dedication to strict implementation of regulations to protect the health of Nigerians, especially vulnerable groups such as youth and commercial vehicle drivers, against the risks associated with alcohol consumption. The agency warned of the negative effects of alcohol consumption on under-aged individuals, citing World Health Organization findings linking underage alcohol consumption to various health and social risks.
