By Our Reporter
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced strict nationwide enforcement of the ban on sachet and small-pack alcoholic beverages, describing the measure as the “best solution” to curb rising cases of underage drinking in Nigeria.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, announced the enforcement drive at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday. She said the operation would be carried out in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
Adeyeye cited findings from recent studies indicating alarming levels of alcohol consumption among minors. According to a 2021 survey conducted across the six geopolitical zones, about 50 per cent of children consume alcohol, with many able to purchase the products themselves. The survey revealed that 54.3 per cent of minors obtained alcohol independently, while 49.9 per cent bought it directly from retailers. It also found that children as young as nine years old were already consuming alcoholic beverages.
The report further indicated that binge drinking was recorded among 11.7 per cent of underage children, particularly in Gombe State, while Lagos and Rivers states recorded the highest overall levels of alcohol consumption among minors. Sachet alcohol was identified as especially popular due to its affordability and ease of concealment.
The NAFDAC boss warned that early exposure to alcohol could cause permanent damage to the brain’s memory and learning centres, significantly increase the risk of addiction, and contribute to academic decline and involvement in social vices.
She recalled that although trade groups had requested repeated postponements of the ban, the Senate in November 2025 directed immediate enforcement and urged the Federal Ministry of Health to release a comprehensive national alcohol policy prohibiting the sale of alcohol in sachets and bottles below 200 millilitres.
Speaking at the briefing, FCCPC spokesperson, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, stated that violators of the directive would face sanctions under existing consumer protection laws. The Director-General of NOA, Mr. Lanre Onilu, described the enforcement as a critical public health intervention aimed at safeguarding young people and protecting communities from the harmful effects of alcohol abuse.
