The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified its stance on sachet alcohol, emphasizing that the recent lifting of the ban is temporary and will be in place only until December 31, 2025, amid widespread misinformation.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, Kenneth Azikiwe, Director of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Directorate of NAFDAC, explained that the temporary suspension of the ban was granted by the government to give manufacturers and regulators time to prepare for a more structured enforcement process.
“There is a ministerial lifting on the ban of sachet alcohol, but it is only temporary and will be reviewed by December 31, 2025,” Azikiwe said. “After this date, the full enforcement of the ban will begin.”
He urged the public to disregard rumours suggesting the ban had been permanently scrapped.
Azikiwe also noted that the agency had been actively raising awareness across the country, working with alcohol producers and distributors to reinforce responsible practices, including a strict prohibition on selling alcohol to anyone under the age of 18.
The Distillers and Beverages Association of Nigeria was praised for its cooperation with NAFDAC in the nationwide sensitisation efforts.
NAFDAC confirmed that sachet alcohol products with volumes below 200 millilitres will be phased out completely after the December 2025 deadline, as part of efforts to reduce alcohol misuse and promote public health.