The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified when the ban on sachet alcohol will take full effect and confirmed that the recent lifting of the ban is only temporary. The agency gave this update on Monday in Abuja through its FCT Director, Kenneth Azikiwe.
The temporary lifting of the restriction, which came through a ministerial decision, will remain in place until December 31, 2025. After this date, NAFDAC will begin full enforcement of the ban, putting an end to the production and sale of sachet alcoholic drinks under 200 milliliters.
The agency explained that the pause in enforcement was introduced to give manufacturers and regulators enough time to work together on a smooth and organized transition. This break is not an approval to continue business as usual, but rather a chance to put proper systems in place before the ban becomes active again.
NAFDAC also said it has taken steps to inform people in all parts of the country about the upcoming change. Distributors have been educated on the dangers of selling alcohol to underage persons, with labels on sachet products clearly stating that they should not be sold to those under 18 years old.
The agency praised the efforts of the Distillers and Beverages Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) for joining in the campaign to spread awareness. NAFDAC restated its commitment to controlling alcohol distribution and protecting the public from unsafe consumption patterns.
By the end of 2025, the ban on sachet alcohol will be fully in place, and all products in small plastic packaging under 200 milliliters are expected to be withdrawn from circulation.
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