NAFDAC To Begin Enforcement Of Ban On PET, Sachet Alcohol –
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially begun enforcing a ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles with a volume below 200 milliliters. This decision was announced by NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, during a recent media briefing in Lagos.
NAFDAC had previously indicated plans to enforce a total ban by December 2025 based on a directive from the Nigerian Senate. However, following a renewed formal authorization from the Senate, enforcement actions commenced immediately nationwide. The Senate’s resolution was prompted by a motion sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta North, which highlighted the public health risks associated with the high availability of low-cost, high-alcohol-content beverages packaged in small containers. Lawmakers expressed concerns regarding their accessibility, particularly to minors and young adults, emphasizing the significant social and health risks these products pose.
In the media briefing, Adeyeye emphasized that the enforcement initiative aims to protect public health, especially vulnerable populations. She noted that the proliferation of these alcoholic beverages made them easily accessible, affordable, and concealable, increasing the risk of abuse among young people. Adeyeye clarified that NAFDAC does not oppose alcohol consumption generally; rather, their focus is on the packaging of such beverages in high concentrations in sachets and small bottles that make them readily accessible to children.
Before Adeyeye’s tenure, some alcoholic drinks in sachets contained alcohol levels ranging from 50 to 90 percent, which she described as alarmingly high and detrimental to public health. NAFDAC had previously directed manufacturers to lower this alcohol content to 30 percent; however, many manufacturers resisted, citing concerns over job losses and potential negative impacts on investment.
As a response, the issue was elevated to the Federal Ministry of Health, which ultimately allowed manufacturers a five-year transition period, from December 2018 to January 31, 2024, to adjust their operations to comply with the new regulatory standards. Adeyeye reassured the public of NAFDAC’s dedication to safeguarding public health and reiterated the agency’s commitment to the ongoing enforcement of these regulations to protect vulnerable groups from the harmful effects of alcohol consumption.
In summary, the initiative reflects a concerted legislative and regulatory response to address significant public health concerns associated with the consumption of high-alcohol-content beverages in easily concealable packaging. NAFDAC’s proactive measures aim to ensure community well-being and safety, particularly for younger populations, while navigating the complexities faced by manufacturers within the industry.
