The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has made clear where it stands on the nationwide prohibition on sachet alcohol.
The agency’s FCT Directorate Director, Mr. Kenneth Azikiwe, said the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday that the ban’s temporary relaxation would only last until December 31, 2025.
He advised the people to ignore false information claiming that the government had permanently abolished the limitation and underlined that the recent ministerial relaxation of the prohibition was temporary.
“There is a ministerial lifting on the ban of sachet alcohol, but it is only temporary and will be reviewed by Dec. 31, 2025.
“After this date, the full enforcement of the ban will commence.
“The minister granted this temporary relief to allow manufacturers and regulators time to collaborate and ensure a more structured and effective implementation of the ban,” Azikiwe stated.”
He highlighted NAFDAC’s ongoing efforts to sensitise the public across the country, noting that awareness campaigns had reached every state.
“We have sensitised distributors, and we’ve emphasised that alcohol should not be sold to individuals under the age of 18, which is also clearly indicated on product labels,” he added.
Azikiwe also commended the Distillers and Beverages Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) for supporting the awareness drive.
He reassured the public that NAFDAC remained fully committed to regulating alcohol consumption and reiterated that sachet alcohol products containing less than 200 milliliters would be phased out after Dec. 2025.