The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced a total ban on the production and sale of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and small bottles below 200ml across Nigeria.

According to NAFDAC’s Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, the ban will take full effect from December 2025, with enforcement beginning in January 2026.

Speaking during a press conference in Abuja on Monday, November 11, Adeyeye explained that the decision was made to protect the health and future of Nigerian youths.

“This ban is not punitive; it is protective. It is aimed at safeguarding the health and future of our children and youth. The health of a nation is its true wealth,” she said.

The NAFDAC boss noted that alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and small bottles are cheap, accessible, and easily hidden, which has led to misuse and addiction, especially among minors and commercial drivers.

She said the uncontrolled access to these drinks has contributed to several social and health problems, including domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts, and rising cases of addiction.

Adeyeye also recalled that NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders had earlier signed an agreement with beverage producers to phase out sachet alcohol gradually. The initial deadline, which was set for January 2024, has now been extended to December 2025 to allow companies to adjust their production lines.

However, she stressed that no further extensions will be granted, as the decision is backed by a Senate resolution and supported by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

NAFDAC also announced plans to collaborate with security agencies, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to ensure full enforcement of the ban and raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol abuse.

The agency emphasized that the ban only affects spirit drinks packaged in sachets and small bottles below 200ml, and not larger, properly regulated alcoholic beverages.

Adeyeye concluded by urging manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to comply fully with the directive before the deadline, stressing that the move is part of NAFDAC’s mission to ensure that only safe and healthy products are available to Nigerians.