Abuja, Nigeria—The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a final warning to manufacturers and retailers, reaffirming its commitment to enforcing a total ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small bottles (below 200ml) by December 2025.

The declaration was made by NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, following a clear directive from the Nigerian Senate urging the agency to implement the ban fully without any further extensions.

Protecting Public Health: The Rationale

The ban, which has the full backing of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is rooted in public health concerns over the widespread abuse of cheap, high-alcohol-content beverages, particularly among vulnerable populations.

• Targeted Misuse: Professor Adeyeye explained that the proliferation of these small, affordable, and easily concealable packages has fueled addiction and misuse among minors, commercial drivers, and low-income earners.

• Social Consequences: The misuse has been linked to a rise in social problems, including domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts, and social vices across communities.

• NAFDAC's Stance: "This ban is not punitive; it is protective," Adeyeye stated. "It is aimed at safeguarding the health and future of our children and youth. We cannot continue to sacrifice the well-being of Nigerians for short-term economic gain."

No Further Extensions

The latest announcement puts an end to years of lobbying and postponed deadlines. The phase-out plan originated from a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in December 2018 between NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health, and industry stakeholders, including manufacturers.

The initial phase-out deadline was set for 2023 but was extended multiple times, with the final moratorium now set to expire in December 2025.

The Senate's recent resolution, prompted by concerns over repeated delays, served as a final reinforcement of the deadline. The NAFDAC DG warned that no further extensions will be granted after December 2025, with full enforcement measures set to commence in January 2026.

To strengthen its regulatory capacity ahead of the deadline, NAFDAC also announced that the Federal Government has approved the recruitment of 1,000 additional personnel, starting in December.

The ban applies strictly to spirit drinks packaged in sachets and bottles below 200ml. NAFDAC has urged manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to comply fully with the deadline.