Underage Drinking: NAFDAC Implements Ban on Small-Pack Alcohol

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has begun enforcing a ban on alcohol sold in sachets and small bottles nationwide, in a move aimed at reducing underage consumption. Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC Director-General, emphasized the policy’s importance during a Tuesday press briefing in Abuja.

Enforcement will involve NAFDAC, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). Adeyeye noted that small-volume alcohol products are easy for children to conceal, contributing to widespread underage drinking.

Survey results show alarming statistics: about 50 percent of minors consume alcohol, with many obtaining sachets and small bottles themselves.

“Whether you are a good parent or a bad parent, it doesn’t really matter. These sachets are easy to conceal, and that is what NAFDAC has banned,” Adeyeye said.

The research highlighted the health risks of early alcohol use, including liver and kidney damage, impaired brain development, increased vulnerability to addiction, and heightened engagement in risky behaviors such as unsafe sex, violence, and academic decline.

The ban, effective January 1, 2026, follows Senate directives from November 6, 2025, which also called for awareness campaigns and collaboration among regulatory bodies.

“NAFDAC safeguards public health through regulation. FCCPC protects consumer rights. NOA mobilises citizens for behavioural change. Together, we aim to ensure this policy achieves its intended impact,” said Malam Lanre Onilu.

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