The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced nationwide enforcement of the Sachet alcohol ban, launching coordinated operations across Nigeria to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres from circulation. The operation, which began on Wednesday, marks the full implementation of the Federal Government’s prohibition on the affected products and reinforces efforts to strengthen public health regulation.
The enforcement exercise is taking place simultaneously across the country’s six geopolitical zones. According to NAFDAC, regulatory teams have been deployed to markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, supermarkets and other distribution channels to identify, seize and destroy prohibited alcoholic beverages. The agency stated that manufacturing facilities found producing the banned products in violation of existing directives have already been shut down.
In a press statement, NAFDAC Director General, Prof Christianah Adeyeye, directed manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, hawkers and transporters to immediately surrender any remaining stock of the prohibited products. She warned that continued production, importation, distribution, transportation, stocking or sale of the affected alcoholic beverages would result in product seizure, regulatory sanctions and possible prosecution.
NAFDAC explained that the Sachet alcohol ban forms part of a broader government strategy to address underage drinking, substance abuse and the widespread availability of low-cost alcoholic beverages among young Nigerians. The agency described the current operation as one of its most comprehensive regulatory actions in recent years and stated that the exercise would not be limited to a single enforcement campaign.
According to the agency, the sustained nationwide initiative combines enforcement with public enlightenment to reduce the circulation of alcoholic products considered harmful to public health. NAFDAC said the action is intended to protect children, adolescents and other vulnerable groups from the risks associated with the easy accessibility of small-pack alcoholic drinks while promoting responsible alcohol consumption among adults.
The agency clarified that the enforcement is directed at products packaged in sachets and PET bottles below the approved 200 millilitres threshold, rather than manufacturers that comply with established packaging regulations. It described the banned sachet and sub-200ml PET alcoholic beverages as illegal products that should no longer be available in the Nigerian market.
NAFDAC also called on members of the public to support the Sachet alcohol ban by reporting individuals or businesses involved in producing, stocking or selling the prohibited products. The agency advised Nigerians not to purchase or consume the affected alcoholic beverages and encouraged the reporting of suspected violations to the nearest NAFDAC office. The latest enforcement reflects the Federal Government’s continued efforts to strengthen alcohol regulation and reduce alcohol-related harm, particularly among young people.
