The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified that the suspension of the ban on sachet alcohol is only temporary and will remain in effect until December 31, 2025.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, Kenneth Azikiwe, Director of NAFDAC’s FCT Directorate, addressed recent misconceptions surrounding the status of the ban. He stressed that the ministerial decision to lift the ban is not permanent.
“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, full enforcement of the ban will begin,” Azikiwe stated.
He explained that the temporary suspension was granted to give manufacturers and regulators time to collaborate on a more organized and effective rollout of the policy.
Azikiwe also noted that NAFDAC has been conducting public awareness campaigns nationwide, including in all 36 states, to educate stakeholders on the dangers of alcohol misuse and the importance of the restrictions.
“We have sensitised distributors and emphasized that alcohol should not be sold to anyone under 18, a rule also clearly stated on product labels,” he said.
He acknowledged the support of the Distillers and Beverages Association of Nigeria in promoting the awareness campaign and reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to regulating alcohol consumption. He reiterated that sachet alcohol products under 200 millilitres will be completely phased out after the December 2025 deadline.
