By Our Correspondent
The Nigerian Senate has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, to enforce a nationwide ban on sachet packaged alcoholic beverages starting December 2025. The Senate also made it clear that no further extensions of the deadline would be allowed.
The directive comes amid growing concerns over the widespread consumption of cheap, high strength alcohol sold in small sachets and plastic packaging. Lawmakers said the drinks are easily accessible, particularly to young people, and are linked to various public health and social problems including addiction, school dropouts, traffic accidents, and domestic violence.
The ban, which was first proposed several years ago, has experienced multiple deadline extensions from 2023 to 2024 and then to 2025 due to challenges in regulatory enforcement. The Senate emphasized that repeated delays have undermined public confidence in the authorities and stressed the urgency of full compliance.
NAFDAC is required to fully enforce the ban nationwide by December 2025. The Federal Ministry of Health is expected to support the implementation and fast track the release of the National Alcohol Policy. The National Orientation Agency is also expected to carry out a comprehensive public awareness campaign to educate Nigerians on the dangers of sachet packaged alcoholic drinks.
The ban will affect manufacturers who are still producing alcoholic beverages in sachets or other small volume formats. Companies are expected to transition to compliant packaging or face regulatory action. Industry groups have previously raised concerns over potential job losses and financial challenges due to the cost of retooling production lines.
Public health experts have welcomed the Senate decision, saying it could significantly reduce alcohol related harm, particularly among youths and vulnerable populations.
With the December 2025 deadline in place, Nigeria is taking a decisive step toward controlling the sale of hazardous alcoholic products and aligning domestic policy with international public health standards.
