The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced an immediate ban on the production and sale of alcoholic drinks in sachets and bottles under 200ml, effective December 31, 2025. Enforcement will commence January 1, 2026.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye said the decision follows a 2018 agreement with the Federal Ministry of Health and industry stakeholders to curb harmful alcohol consumption, particularly among youths.
“These products are packaged to be cheap, accessible, and concealable. They fuel underage drinking, addiction, and public health crises,” Adeyeye said. “We will no longer allow the future of our children to be traded for profit.”
Key Details of the Ban:
- Affected products: All spirits in sachets and PET/glass bottles below 200ml.
- Production halt: December 31, 2025.
- Sales & distribution ban: January 1, 2026.
- Penalties: Seizure of products, factory closure, and prosecution.
The Senate Public Accounts Committee had in October 2025 ordered NAFDAC to enforce the ban after manufacturers repeatedly ignored earlier deadlines.
NAFDAC cited rising cases of alcohol-related liver disease, road accidents, and school dropouts linked to sachet drinks. A 2024 survey in Lagos and Ogun states found 42% of secondary school students had consumed sachet gin in the past month.
The Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) warned the ban could lead to over 500,000 job losses in production, packaging, and distribution. Small-scale producers in Ogun, Edo, and Anambra states called for a phased implementation and support for transition to larger packaging.
