The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced full enforcement of the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles smaller than 200ml.
The crackdown follows a directive from the Nigerian Senate instructing the agency to halt the nationwide production of these specific units by December 2025.
The Senate resolution relied on a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), who argued that the ban aligns with global best practices to curb alcohol abuse.
NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye confirmed the commencement of active enforcement during a media briefing in Lagos on Wednesday.
She noted that the move follows the agency’s November 11, 2025, announcement regarding the impending ban and a subsequent legislative order to ensure compliance.
“The proliferation of high-alcohol-content beverages in sachets and small containers has made such products easily accessible, affordable, and concealable,” Adeyeye stated.
She clarified that NAFDAC does not oppose alcohol consumption in general, but specifically targets high-concentration formats that are easily accessible to children.
Prof. Adeyeye highlighted that some sachet products previously contained alcohol concentrations between 50 and 90 percent levels she described as dangerous to public health.
Although manufacturers were previously directed to cap alcohol content at 30 percent, the agency noted significant resistance from producers citing potential investment setbacks.
The regulatory shift dates back to 2018, when the Federal Ministry of Health granted manufacturers a five-year transition period to phase out these packaging formats, which originally ended on January 31, 2024.
With the transition window closed and legislative backing secured, NAFDAC has reaffirmed its commitment to sustained enforcement to protect vulnerable groups, particularly minors.
The policy has elicited mixed reactions. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and various civil society organizations have warned that the ban could cost the economy trillions of naira and result in millions of job losses.
Conversely, health advocates have applauded the measure as a critical intervention against underage drinking and alcohol-related health crises.
NAFDAC officials confirmed that enforcement operations, including raids and seizures of non-compliant products, are now underway across the country.