Plans to ban the production of alcoholic drinks in sachets and small bottles continue to generate mixed reactions across the country.

The proposal first emerged in 2018, but strong public opposition led the Federal Ministry of Health, FCCPC, NAFDAC, and industry bodies such as the Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) to sign a five-year MoU to gradually phase out the products. The timeline has since been shifted multiple times.

Despite heavy lobbying from manufacturers to halt the policy altogether, the idea has remained on the government’s agenda, with only implementation deadlines being delayed.

Senate rejects further extension

On Tuesday, November 5, the Senate directed NAFDAC not to extend the December 31, 2025 deadline for ending the production of sachet and small-bottle alcoholic beverages.

The decision followed a motion by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who said the policy aligns with global health standards aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm.

Ekpenyong recalled that in 2018, government agencies and industry unions voluntarily agreed to phase out the products. After manufacturers appealed for more time, the government granted a one-year grace period in 2024 to allow producers clear old stock and adjust their production lines.

He expressed concern that some companies were still pushing for another extension, warning that such moves would weaken regulatory authority and threaten public health.

“As the December 2025 deadline draws near, certain manufacturers are trying to frustrate the process. We cannot keep exposing our youths to cheap, potent alcohol that endangers their lives,” he said.

Ekpenyong added that sachet alcohol has contributed to addiction, impaired cognitive development, school dropouts, domestic violence, and road accidents, especially among young people and commercial drivers. He also noted that compliant manufacturers were now at a disadvantage compared to those who ignored the rules.

Other lawmakers supported the motion, calling for stronger enforcement and public sensitisation. Senator Anthony Ani described cheap alcohol as a growing social threat, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio called the resolution a necessary step to protect public health.

NAFDAC reiterates enforcement

Following the Senate directive, NAFDAC restated its commitment to begin full enforcement by next month. In a statement, Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye said the decision was backed by both the Senate and the Ministry of Health, noting that sachet alcohol had become easily accessible, affordable, and concealable—making it attractive to minors and high-risk groups.

She described the situation as a public health crisis linked to road accidents, domestic violence, school dropouts, and other social problems.

“This ban is not punitive but protective. We cannot continue to sacrifice the health of Nigerians for short-term profits,” she said.

Only two product categories are affected: spirit drinks packaged in sachets and alcoholic beverages in bottles below 200ml. Adeyeye urged manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to comply, stressing that no further extension would be granted beyond December 2025.

The agency also noted that the current position is consistent with Nigeria’s earlier agreements and with WHO’s global strategy on reducing harmful alcohol use.

Public reactions remain deeply divided

While government agencies insist that sachet alcohol poses serious health risks—including kidney damage, hypertension, and other heart-related problems—many Nigerians affected by the policy strongly disagree.

Manufacturers, retailers, and small-scale traders argue that the ban threatens their livelihoods. One businesswoman, Mrs. Bukola Jaiyeloba, said the policy neglects the realities of low-income earners.

“Those who started producing sachet alcohol were thinking of the ordinary man. Not everyone can afford a big bottle. These small options allow people to relax without spending much,” she said.

She warned that the ban could push some people toward dangerous hard drugs and destabilise small businesses that rely heavily on these high-demand products.

Consumers say government is focusing on the wrong issue

Regular consumers, especially those in low-income communities, also feel targeted. At Mile 2 in Lagos, where many gather to drink these products, one consumer criticised the government for clamping down on sachet alcohol while hard drugs remain openly sold.

“If they claim these sachets cause health problems, what about the big bottles? They contain the same alcohol. People smoke marijuana openly in Lagos and nothing is done, but they want to ban what makes poor people happy,” he said.

He added that consumers will simply adapt by contributing money to buy bigger bottles and sharing among themselves.

He insisted that many Nigerians would continue to find ways to enjoy themselves despite the ban, saying the policy would not break their spirit.