The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mojisola Adeyeye, has justified the nationwide prohibition of sachet and small-pack alcoholic beverages, describing it as a decisive step to combat the growing incidence of underage drinking.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja to mark the commencement of enforcement, Adeyeye said the restriction targets products packaged in sachets and small-volume PET bottles, which she noted are easily concealed and cheaply sold, making them attractive to minors.
The enforcement exercise, she explained, would be carried out in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
The coordinated action aims to ensure compliance nationwide while raising public awareness about the health risks associated with early alcohol consumption.
Adeyeye stressed that the agency’s decision was rooted in its statutory obligation to safeguard public health, particularly the wellbeing of children and adolescents.
Citing findings from a 2021 nationwide survey conducted in partnership with the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), the NAFDAC chief described the data as deeply troubling.
The study sampled 1,788 respondents across the six geopolitical zones to assess patterns of alcohol use among minors and retailers.
According to the findings, more than half of underage respondents reported obtaining alcohol on their own, often from retail outlets selling sachets and small plastic bottles.
Nearly half indicated a preference for sachets because the packaging allows easy concealment.
The data also revealed that a significant proportion of minors consume alcohol occasionally, with some engaging in weekly use and instances of binge drinking recorded in certain states.
Alarmingly, the survey found cases of alcohol consumption among children as young as nine.
Adeyeye noted that sachet alcohol, sometimes sold for as little as N50, lowers the barrier to access.
She argued that while some retailers may profit from the trade, the broader social cost includes long-term health consequences such as liver disease, kidney damage, and mental health disorders.
The survey further highlighted regional variations, with higher levels of reported consumption in states such as Lagos and Rivers, while Gombe recorded notable instances of binge drinking among underage individuals.
Defending the ban against criticism from sections of industry and labour groups, Adeyeye maintained that the measure is a public health intervention rather than an economic policy.
She emphasised that reducing the availability and concealability of alcohol products is critical to curbing youth access.
“Protecting children from harmful substances must remain a national priority,” she said, reiterating that NAFDAC would continue to enforce regulations designed to prevent abuse and promote safer consumption practices.
As enforcement begins nationwide, the agency said it would monitor compliance closely while engaging stakeholders to ensure that the policy achieves its intended objective of reducing underage drinking across the country.
