The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified its position on the nationwide ban on sachet alcohol.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, Kenneth Azikiwe, Director of the agency’s FCT Directorate, explained that the suspension of the ban is temporary and will remain in effect only until December 31, 2025.
He stressed that the recent ministerial decision to lift the ban should not be seen as permanent and urged the public to ignore false claims suggesting that the restriction has been removed permanently.
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“There is a ministerial lifting on the ban of sachet alcohol, but it is only temporary and will be reviewed by Dec. 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 stated.
He pointed out that NAFDAC is actively continuing its public sensitisation efforts nationwide, stating that awareness campaigns have been conducted in all states across the country.
“We have sensitised distributors, and we’ve emphasised that alcohol should not be sold to individuals under the age of 18, which is also clearly indicated on product labels,” he added.
Azikiwe also praised the Distillers and Beverages Association of Nigeria for its support in the awareness campaign.
He assured the public of NAFDAC’s unwavering commitment to regulating alcohol consumption and reaffirmed that sachet alcohol products under 200 millilitres would be gradually withdrawn after December 2025.
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