NAFDAC confirms temporary lifting of ban on sachet alcohol
- Ban on sachet-alcoholic drinks begins Dec 2025– NAFDAC
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, (NAFDAC) has clarified its position regarding the recent developments surrounding the ban on sachet alcohol, emphasising that the lifting of the restriction is only temporary.
The Director of the FCT Directorate of NAFDAC, Mr. Kenneth Azikiwe, made this known on Monday in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.
Azikiwe explained that the suspension of the ban is valid only until December 31, 2025, after which full enforcement will resume.
“There is a ministerial lifting on the ban of sachet alcohol, but it is only temporary and will be reviewed by December 31, 2025.
“After this date, the full enforcement of the ban will commence.
The minister granted this temporary relief to allow manufacturers and regulators time to collaborate and ensure a more structured and effective implementation of the ban,” Azikiwe said.
He urged the public to disregard misinformation suggesting that the ban had been permanently lifted.
Azikiwe emphasized NAFDAC’s ongoing public sensitisation efforts, adding that awareness campaigns had been conducted in all states across the country.
“We have sensitised distributors and emphasised that alcohol should not be sold to individuals under the age of 18 — this is also clearly indicated on product labels,” he added.
He commended the Distillers and Beverages Association of Nigeria for supporting the awareness drive and reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to regulating alcohol consumption.
He disclosed that all sachet alcohol products containing less than 200 milliliters will be phased out after December 2025 as part of the agency’s broader strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm, especially among the youth.
NAFDAC had announced the ban on the sale of sachet alcohol in 2023, citing its negative influence on underage drinking and the vulnerability of children to substance abuse.
Manufacturers in Nigeria, specifically through organizations like the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), had expressed strong opposition to the ban on sachet alcoholic beverages, particularly those in sachets and small PET bottles (less than 200ml).
They argue that the ban will harm the local manufacturing industry, potentially leading to black markets, job losses, and negative economic consequences.
