NAFDAC Reaffirms December Deadline for Sachet Alcohol Ban,Clarifies Temporary Lifting

Abuja – The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reiterated that the nationwide ban on the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small volume PET bottles (below 200ml) will indeed commence on December 31, 2025. This clarification comes amidst recent public discussions and some misinformation suggesting a permanent reversal of the ban.

Mr. Kenneth Azikiwe, Director of the FCT Directorate of NAFDAC, confirmed on Monday in Abuja that while there has been a “ministerial lifting” of the ban, this suspension is temporary and will be reviewed by December 31, 2025. “After this date, the full enforcement of the ban will commence,” Azikiwe stated, urging the public to disregard any claims of a permanent lift.

The temporary relief, according to NAFDAC, was granted to allow manufacturers and regulators sufficient time to collaborate and ensure a more structured and effective implementation of the ban. This decision is a continuation of a policy initiated in 2018, which gave manufacturers a five-year moratorium to phase out these products. The initial deadline for the ban was January 31, 2024, with NAFDAC beginning enforcement actions on February 1, 2024. However, strong resistance from industry players and other stakeholders, citing potential job losses and economic impact, led to the current temporary reprieve.

NAFDAC maintains that the ban is crucial for public health, primarily to curb the abuse of alcohol, especially among underage individuals. The agency has consistently highlighted that the affordability and accessibility of sachet alcohol make it particularly attractive to young people, contributing to alcohol-related harm, mental health issues, and substance abuse.

The move has, however, faced significant opposition from manufacturers and vendors, who argue that the ban could lead to substantial job losses (with estimates of over 500,000 jobs at risk by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria) and negatively impact the economy. They emphasize that the sachet packaging makes these drinks affordable for many consumers, especially those with limited purchasing power. Some stakeholders also suggest that rather than an outright ban, stricter age verification and responsible marketing measures would be more effective.

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Despite the ongoing discussions and concerns, NAFDAC has affirmed its commitment to regulating alcohol consumption and reiterated that all sachet alcohol products containing less than 200 milliliters will be completely phased out after December 2025. The agency has been conducting sensitisation efforts across the country, informing distributors and the public about the impending full enforcement of the ban and stressing that alcohol should not be sold to individuals under 18.

As the December 2025 deadline approaches, the industry and the public will be watching closely to see how NAFDAC navigates the complexities of enforcing this ban while addressing the economic concerns raised by stakeholders. Consumers currently relying on sachet alcoholic drinks may need to consider alternatives such as larger bottled beverages or traditional locally brewed drinks, which may also pose their own regulatory challenges.