NAFDAC moves to enforce full ban on sachet alcohol drinks

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced full enforcement of the Federal Government-approved prohibition of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET/plastic bottles below 200ml.

It said the action followed its execution of an Irrevocable Enforcement Undertaking by the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), and their member companies.

NAFDAC said the aim is to eliminate alcoholic products in prohibited pack sizes – sachets and PET/plastic bottles below 200ml – from the Nigerian market.

According to the Director General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, the ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET (plastic) bottles below 200ml in Nigeria was not an abrupt decision, noting that it evolved over several years through consultations between regulators, manufacturers, and government agencies.

Adeyeye, at a press conference in Lagos,  listed the timeline of the ban to include, Initial Concerns and Industry Discussions (2018). “In 2018, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) raised concerns about the widespread availability of high-alcohol-content drinks sold in sachets and small bottles. Regulators argued that these products were cheap, easy to conceal, and readily accessible to minors.  The discussions that followed involved: NAFDAC, Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE)

“Five-Year Moratorium (2019 to January 2024): Manufacturers argued that an immediate ban would lead to job losses, plant closures, and financial losses, hence the moratorium. Therefore, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in December 2018. The agreement provided a five-year moratorium for manufacturers to gradually phase out alcohol in sachets and small-volume containers.

“The industry was given until 31 January 2024 to: Reconfigure production lines, shift to larger packaging formats, phase out sachet alcohol and small bottles.

“Planned Enforcement Began (February 2024)

When the five-year period expired in January 2024, NAFDAC began enforcement of the phase-out in line with its regulatory mandate. However, the move met resistance from industry stakeholders and attracted intervention from the National Assembly”.

She further said: “Extension of the Deadline (2024 to December 2025). After lobbying and further consultations, the Federal Government granted an additional extension. The moratorium was extended until 31 December 2025, allowing manufacturers and distributors more time to adjust and dispose of existing stock.

During this period: Production of sachet alcohol was expected to wind down. Stakeholders were expected to transition to larger pack sizes. Public awareness campaigns intensified regarding underage drinking and alcohol abuse.

“Full Ban Took Effect (1 January 2026) The ban officially took effect on 1 January 2026, covering: Alcohol packaged in sachets.PET bottles below 200ml. Glass bottles below 200ml.

The objective was to reduce underage drinking, alcohol abuse, and easy access to highly concentrated alcoholic beverages. The full enforcement was backed by independent research that underscored the devastating effect of underage drinking and revealed that 47.2% of minors and 48.8% of the underage procure drinks in sachets, while 41.2% of minors and 47.2% of the underage procure drinks in pet bottles.

“Tiered Enforcement and Nationwide Crackdown (2026)

In January 2026, NAFDAC announced the commencement of the first-tier enforcement after receiving legislative backing from the Senate. It started with the manufacturers where any lot found in any facility was evacuated and destroyed.

“The agency stated that it was not against alcohol consumption itself but against the proliferation of high-alcohol products in small, inexpensive containers that made access easier for children and young people.

“By July 2026, NAFDAC launched second-tier nationwide mop-up operations across markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, and distribution centres to seize remaining sachet alcohol and sub-200ml PET alcoholic beverages. The banned pack sizes were found at distribution centres, a violation of the ban.   This led to closure of factories and arrest of staff of companies who were still found to be producing sachet alcohol. The Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) and Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) were required by NAFDAC to sign Irrevocable Enforcement Undertaken on behalf of their members that they would desist from manufacturing of alcohol in sachet and pet bottles less than 200ml before their facilities could be reopened.

“As part of the undertaking, affected manufacturers are required to immediately commence a nationwide recall of all alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml from distributors, warehouses, and other points within the supply chain and submit periodic compliance reports to NAFDAC.

“NAFDAC has also imposed investigative charges on defaulting companies found to have violated regulatory directives relating to the manufacture and distribution of alcoholic beverages in prohibited package sizes. The affected companies are required to settle the applicable charges within the stipulated period and comply fully with all regulatory directives issued by the Agency.

“The Agency wishes to emphasize that all recalled alcoholic products shall be subjected to inventory verification and destruction under NAFDAC supervision in accordance with the terms of the enforcement undertaking. Manufacturers shall bear the full cost of such destruction exercises.

“Furthermore, before any sealed facility involved in the production of alcoholic beverages in sachets or PET bottles below 200ml can be reopened, NAFDAC will require satisfactory evidence that the production lines used for the prohibited package sizes have been dismantled, permanently disabled, or reconfigured to prevent the manufacture and packaging of alcoholic products in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml. Such dismantling or reconfiguration shall be carried out under the direct supervision and verification of NAFDAC officers.

“The reopening and continued opening of any facility shall be subject to: Full compliance with the nationwide recall directive. Payment of all applicable investigative charges and regulatory fees. Successful destruction of recalled products under NAFDAC supervision. Verification of the dismantling, reconfiguration, or decommissioning of equipment used for prohibited package sizes. Satisfactory inspection and certification by NAFDAC that the facility is compliant with all regulatory requirements.

“Companies that fail to comply with the terms of the undertaking risk severe regulatory sanctions, including continued closure of facilities, placement on NAFDAC’s Regulatory Watchlist, suspension or revocation of product registrations, criminal prosecution where applicable, and other measures permitted by law.

“NAFDAC remains committed to protecting public health and reducing harmful alcohol consumption, particularly among vulnerable populations, including children and young persons. The Agency will continue to work with industry stakeholders while ensuring strict compliance with regulatory directives designed to safeguard the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.

“Members of the public are encouraged to report the sale, distribution, or manufacture of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml through NAFDAC’s official communication channels or nearest NAFDAC office.