By BONIFACE AKARAH

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has moved to dispel widespread public confusion over its latest enforcement action on alcoholic beverages, stressing that no company producing alcohol has been shut down.

In a press release dated January 28, 2026, and signed by its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, the Agency clarified that its action is strictly limited to the production and sale of alcohol packaged in sachets and small plastic or glass bottles below 200ml, in line with a recent resolution of the Nigerian Senate.

“NAFDAC did not close any company that makes alcohol,” the Agency stated, adding that “only alcohol in sachets and small containers less than 200ml is affected by this enforcement.”

NAFDAC explained that the directive, backed by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is driven by public health concerns, particularly the growing misuse of alcohol among children, adolescents, and commercial drivers.

According to the Agency, “the proliferation of high-alcohol-content beverages in sachets and small containers has made such products easily accessible, affordable, and concealable,” warning that this has contributed to rising cases of addiction, road accidents, domestic violence, and school dropouts.

Addressing arguments for warning labels, NAFDAC dismissed such measures as ineffective. “Placing a label to read ‘not for children’ on sachets and small containers will not work,” the statement said, noting that “the peculiarity of the society makes enforcement impossible.”

The Agency added that “many parents are unaware their children consume sachet alcohol because the pack size is cheap and easily concealed,” citing reports from schools. In one case referenced, “a teacher reported that a student said he could not take an examination without first taking sachet alcohol.”

NAFDAC further emphasized that manufacturers were given ample notice. It recalled that in December 2018, a five-year moratorium was agreed upon with industry groups to phase out sachet and small-volume alcohol packaging by January 31, 2024, later extended to December 2025.

“The current Senate resolution aligns with both the spirit and the letter of that agreement,” the Agency said, adding that it also reflects Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Assembly Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol.

Prof. Adeyeye underscored that the policy is preventive, not punitive. “This ban is not punitive; it is protective,” she said. “It is aimed at safeguarding the health and future of our children and youth.”

She further stated that “the decision is rooted in scientific evidence and public health considerations,” warning that “we cannot continue to sacrifice the wellbeing of Nigerians for economic gain.”

NAFDAC reiterated that alcohol in larger pack sizes remains approved, stressing that “only two packages are affected—spirit drinks in sachets and small-volume PET or glass bottles below 200ml.” The Agency also made it clear that no further extension will be granted beyond December 2025.

The statement concluded with NAFDAC reaffirming its commitment to public safety, noting that it will continue to work with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify nationwide sensitization.

“NAFDAC remains resolute in its mission to ensure that only safe, wholesome, and properly regulated products are available to Nigerians,” the Agency stated.