At a press briefing in Lagos, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, announced that the enforcement will focus on markets, motor parks, retail outlets, and bars, aiming to eliminate these easily accessible alcoholic products from circulation.
Recent research revealed that 47.2% of minors obtain alcohol in sachets, while 41.2% procure it in PET bottles, highlighting the urgency of this initiative. "Almost 50% of our children buy alcohol in these small, cheap containers," Adeyeye stated.
She clarified that the ban targets not alcohol consumption itself, but the packaging that makes high-alcohol content drinks inexpensive and portable for minors. “We are against the proliferation of high-alcohol products in small containers,” she emphasized.
The agency has adopted a tiered enforcement strategy, beginning with manufacturers and extending to the entire supply chain. The first phase, which started in January 2026, involved evacuating and destroying prohibited products from production facilities.
With the second phase launched in July, NAFDAC is now actively monitoring the last points of sale to ensure compliance. Adeyeye warned that manufacturers and retailers attempting to bypass the ban will face severe penalties, including heavy fines and permanent closure of facilities.
This enforcement follows an Irrevocable Enforcement Undertaking agreed upon by key industry stakeholders, mandating the recall of banned products from distributors and retailers. Manufacturers must bear the costs of this recall and destruction process.
Adeyeye noted that compliance has been encouraging, with major manufacturers that control approximately 80% of the market already adhering to the directive. "Prohibited products are becoming less prevalent in the market," she reported.
The agency's approach aims to ensure a gradual reduction of these harmful products, with ongoing enforcement until the market is cleared of sachet and small-volume alcoholic beverages.
NAFDAC originally raised concerns about these products back in 2018, leading to a five-year moratorium allowing manufacturers time to adjust. However, following resistance from some stakeholders, the deadline was extended to December 2025, with the full ban taking effect on January 1, 2026.
Adeyeye urged the public to report any sales of banned alcoholic beverages, reinforcing NAFDAC's commitment to collaborate with other agencies to eliminate these hazardous products from Nigeria’s market.
The agency remains steadfast in its mission, ensuring that the health and safety of minors are prioritized in the ongoing enforcement efforts.
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