The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has explained its standpoint on the nationwide ban on sachet alcohol.
Mr. Kenneth Azikiwe, Director of the FCT Directorate of the agency, while addressing the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday stated that the temporary lifting of the ban is only valid until December 31, 2025.
He shared that the contemporary ministerial lifting of the sachet alcohol ban is not permanent and implored Nigerians to dismiss any false information saying otherwise.
“There is a ministerial lifting on the ban on sachet alcohol, but it is only temporary and will be reviewed by December 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,” he said.
He emphasised that the agency has sensitised Nigerians on the sachet alcohol ban.
“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 commended the Distillers and Beverages Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) for supporting the awareness drive.
He reassured the public that NAFDAC remained fully committed to regulating alcohol consumption and reiterated that sachet alcohol products containing less than 200 millilitres would be phased out after December 2025.
Recall that NAFDAC began enforced the ban of sachet alcohol on February 1, 2024. The ban covers alcohol sold in sachets or PET bottles smaller than 200ml.
