The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reaffirmed its decision to fully implement a nationwide ban on the production and sale of sachet alcoholic drinks, effective from December 31, 2025.
According to Kenneth Azikiwe, Director of the FCT Directorate of NAFDAC, this confirmation was made during a press briefing held in Abuja on Monday, where he addressed recent speculations regarding the policy.
Azikiwe explained that although there is currently a ministerial suspension on the enforcement of the ban, this temporary relief will end by the last day of 2025. After that, full regulatory action will commence across the country.
“There is a ministerial lifting on the ban of sachet alcohol, but it is only temporary and will be reviewed by December 31, 2025. After this date, full enforcement of the ban will begin,” he said.
He emphasized that the delay in enforcement was designed to give both manufacturers and regulators enough time to coordinate and prepare for a seamless transition, ensuring minimal disruption in the industry.
“The minister granted this temporary relief to give manufacturers and regulators time to collaborate and ensure a more structured and effective implementation of the ban,” Azikiwe noted.
He also cautioned members of the public and industry stakeholders to disregard circulating misinformation that suggests the ban has been permanently revoked, calling such claims false and misleading.
NAFDAC has been actively conducting public sensitization campaigns across the nation, educating distributors, retailers, and consumers on the implications of the policy and the health risks associated with unregulated alcohol consumption.
“We have sensitised distributors and stressed that alcohol should not be sold to anyone under 18, as clearly stated on product labels,” he added, reiterating the agency’s stance on responsible alcohol distribution and sales.
Azikiwe also acknowledged the contributions of the Distillers and Beverages Association of Nigeria, commending them for their collaboration in NAFDAC’s public education outreach and efforts to reduce the availability of cheap, high-risk alcoholic products.
In conclusion, NAFDAC confirmed that alcohol sold in sachets or containers less than 200 millilitres will be completely removed from the market starting in 2026, in a bid to better regulate alcohol consumption and safeguard public health in N
igeria.