The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced that the temporary lifting of the ban on sachet alcohol will end on December 31, 2025, after which full enforcement will begin.
Kenneth Azikiwe, Director of NAFDAC’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Directorate, clarified on Monday that the current relief is only a ministerial suspension of the ban, not a permanent reversal.
“There is a ministerial lifting on the ban of sachet alcohol, but it is only temporary and will be reviewed by December 31, 2025,” Azikiwe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). “After this date, the full enforcement of the ban will commence.”
He explained that the temporary grace period was granted to allow manufacturers and regulators time to collaborate and ensure a smoother implementation process.
Azikiwe emphasized that misinformation suggesting the ban has been permanently lifted is inaccurate and should be disregarded. He added that NAFDAC has launched extensive public sensitisation campaigns across all states, targeting both consumers and distributors.
“We have sensitised distributors, and we’ve emphasised that alcohol should not be sold to individuals under 18, which is also clearly stated on product labels,” he said.
He also acknowledged the support of the Distillers and Beverages Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) in promoting public awareness and reiterated NAFDAC’s commitment to regulating alcohol sales and consumption.
Sachet alcohol products containing less than 200 ml will be phased out after December 2025.
Nigeria, in 2018 imposed a ban on the sale of alcohol in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 200 ml. The decision followed a ministerial directive and consultations with key industry stakeholders, including DIBAN and the Association of Food, Beverage & Tobacco Employers (AFBTE). A phased timeline was introduced to allow manufacturers to gradually cease production and distribution of the banned products.
