The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reaffirmed that the ban on sachet alcohol remains in effect, with a recent ministerial decision temporarily lifting the ban only until December 31, 2025.
Kenneth Azikiwe, Director of NAFDAC’s FCT Directorate, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the temporary lifting is not permanent and urged Nigerians to disregard misinformation suggesting otherwise.
“There is a ministerial lifting on the ban of sachet alcohol, but it is only temporary and will be reviewed by 31 Dec, 2025. After this date, the full enforcement of the ban will commence,” Azikiwe explained.
The temporary reprieve was granted to allow manufacturers and regulators to work together on a more structured, effective enforcement strategy.
NAFDAC has also stepped up public sensitisation across all states, educating distributors on the legal prohibition against selling alcohol to persons under 18, a rule clearly displayed on product labels.
Azikiwe commended the Distillers and Beverages Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) for their role in supporting the awareness campaign.
He reassured the public of NAFDAC’s continued commitment to regulating alcohol consumption, confirming that sachet alcohol products containing less than 200 milliliters will be phased out after December 2025.
