WATCH THE VIDEO HERE The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified that the recent lifting of the ban on sachet alcohol is temporary and will expire on December 31, 2025. Speaking in Abuja, the Director of the agency’s FCT Directorate, Mr. Kenneth Azikiwe, explained that the ministerial directive allowing the continued sale of sachet alcohol was a provisional measure aimed at enabling smoother regulatory transition. “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, the full enforcement of the ban will commence,” Azikiwe stated. He urged the public to disregard misinformation suggesting a permanent reversal of the ban, stressing that the current reprieve was granted to allow manufacturers and regulators time to collaborate on a structured and effective implementation. Azikiwe further revealed that NAFDAC had intensified nationwide sensitisation campaigns, reaching distributors and educating them on responsible practices. “We’ve emphasised that alcohol should not be sold to individuals under the age of 18, which is also clearly indicated on product labels,” he added. He also commended the Distillers and Beverages Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) for partnering with the agency in promoting public awareness. Reiterating NAFDAC’s commitment to public health and responsible alcohol regulation, Azikiwe confirmed that all sachet and small-sized alcohol products below 200 milliliters will be completely phased out after December 2025.
NAFDAC Clarifies Sachet Alcohol Ban: Temporary Lift Only Valid Until December 2025
