Federal Government Bans Sachet Alcoholic Beverages

In a move aimed at curbing the consumption of alcohol, the Federal Government has officially prohibited the production of alcoholic beverages in sachets smaller than 200ml.

The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made this announcement on Monday during a press briefing held in Abuja to address the latest development.

According to Adeyeye, the directive follows the expiration of a five-year grace period granted to manufacturers of such products, which commenced in 2018 and concluded on January 31, 2024.

Effective from February 1, 2024, enforcement of the ban has been initiated to ensure compliance with the regulatory measure.

Explaining the rationale behind the decision, Adeyeye revealed that it was based on the recommendations of a high-powered committee comprising representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and industry stakeholders such as the Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN).

“At the conclusion of the committee’s deliberations in December 2018, producers of alcohol in sachets and small volumes committed to gradually reducing production by 5 percent from January 31, 2022, with the ultimate goal of complete phase-out by January 31, 2024,” Adeyeye stated.

This decisive action underscores the government’s commitment to promoting public health and safety by addressing the proliferation of easily accessible and potentially harmful alcoholic beverages in smaller packaging sizes.