The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reaffirmed that the complete ban on the production and distribution of sachet alcoholic beverages across Nigeria will take full effect starting December 31, 2025.
This announcement came from Kenneth Azikiwe, Director of NAFDAC’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Directorate, during a media briefing held in Abuja on Monday. He clarified that although a temporary suspension of the ban had recently been approved, it is not permanent, and enforcement will resume at the end of the year.
“There is a ministerial lifting on the ban of sachet alcohol, but it is only temporary and will be reviewed by December 31, 2025. After this date, full enforcement of the ban will begin,” Azikiwe explained.
Temporary Relief Meant to Ease Transition
According to Azikiwe, the purpose of the temporary ministerial lifting was to allow for a more coordinated effort between manufacturers, distributors, and regulators in preparing for the eventual prohibition. The relief period, he said, gives all stakeholders time to adjust production lines, phase out existing inventory, and adapt business models in accordance with new regulations.
“The minister granted this temporary relief to give manufacturers and regulators time to collaborate and ensure a more structured and effective implementation of the ban,” Azikiwe stated.
He also debunked widely circulated misleading reports that claimed the federal government had scrapped the ban entirely. He stressed that such claims were false and should be disregarded by the public.
Public Awareness and Distribution Control Ongoing
NAFDAC has taken proactive steps to ensure public understanding of the policy by launching sensitization campaigns nationwide. These campaigns are focused on educating distributors, retailers, and consumers about the dangers of uncontrolled alcohol consumption and the rationale behind the sachet alcohol ban.
Azikiwe noted that distributors have been specifically reminded that alcohol products must never be sold to minors, a message that is clearly reflected on product labels and in NAFDAC guidelines.
“We have sensitized distributors and stressed that alcohol should not be sold to anyone under 18, as clearly stated on product labels,” he said.
Industry Collaboration and Future Enforcement Plans
Azikiwe commended the Distillers and Beverages Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) for their continued partnership in raising awareness about responsible alcohol distribution and consumption. He also revealed that sachet alcoholic products containing less than 200 millilitres will be phased out after December 2025, marking a decisive step towards addressing alcohol misuse and protecting public health.
This nationwide ban is part of NAFDAC’s broader strategy to curb alcohol abuse, reduce underage access, and minimize the health and social harms associated with low-cost, high-alcohol-volume beverages.
