Oluwafunbi Bello 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The NAFDAC alcohol sachet ban enters a new enforcement phase as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control begins a nationwide crackdown on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and containers below 200 millilitres.
The enforcement operation commences on Monday across markets, bars, motor parks, retail outlets and distribution centres following research linking small-pack alcohol to underage drinking.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, says studies show that 47.2 per cent of minors and 48.8 per cent of underage consumers obtain alcohol packaged in sachets, while 41.2 per cent of minors and 47.2 per cent of underage consumers purchase alcoholic drinks in PET bottles.
Adeyeye says the agency is not prohibiting alcohol consumption but restricting cheap, highly accessible alcoholic products commonly sold in small containers.
“We are not against alcohol consumption itself. We are against the proliferation of high-alcohol products in small, inexpensive containers.”
According to NAFDAC, the latest exercise represents the second phase of enforcement.
The first phase, launched in January, focused on manufacturers, while the current operation targets prohibited products already circulating within the supply chain.
The agency directs manufacturers to recall banned products and destroy them under regulatory supervision.
NAFDAC warns that companies violating the directive risk permanent closure of production facilities, heavy fines, suspension or withdrawal of product registrations and possible prosecution.
The full prohibition on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets, PET bottles below 200ml and glass bottles below 200ml officially takes effect on January 1, 2026, following years of stakeholder consultations and multiple implementation extensions.
Adeyeye urges Nigerians to report violations, assuring the public that enforcement will continue until prohibited products are completely removed from the market.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Mirian Gom 