The Federal Government on Tuesday formally flagged off a nationwide enforcement and public enlightenment campaign on the ban of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small PET and glass bottles below 200 millilitres. The joint press conference, held in Abuja, was organised by the National Orientation Agency in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
The ban, which took effect on January 1, 2026, targets the production, distribution and sale of alcohol in sachets and bottles smaller than 200ml. The measure forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to curb underage drinking and address harmful consumption patterns across the country. Speaking at the briefing, Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, said the enforcement followed years of consultations with manufacturers, distributors and public health stakeholders, as well as multiple extensions granted to allow for a smooth transition.
According to her, alarming survey findings on alcohol consumption among minors and vulnerable groups underscored the urgency of decisive regulatory action. “We cannot ignore the data before us,” Adeyeye said. “The easy accessibility and affordability of sachet and small-volume alcoholic drinks have contributed significantly to rising cases of underage drinking and alcohol abuse. This enforcement is a necessary step to protect public health, especially our young people.”
She explained that the policy was not introduced abruptly, noting that industry players were given sufficient notice to adjust their production lines and business models in compliance with the directive. Officials at the briefing emphasised that the enforcement campaign would involve nationwide monitoring, market inspections and sustained public sensitisation to ensure compliance. Offenders, they warned, would face regulatory sanctions in line with existing laws.
The National Orientation Agency said its role would focus on grassroots advocacy and community engagement to educate citizens about the rationale behind the ban and the health risks associated with excessive and early alcohol consumption. Representatives of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission also reiterated the importance of consumer safety and responsible marketing practices, stressing that the initiative was designed not to stifle legitimate business but to promote ethical standards within the beverage industry.
Public health advocates have long raised concerns over the proliferation of low-cost alcoholic drinks sold in small sachets and bottles, arguing that their affordability makes them easily accessible to minors and low-income earners. With the formal commencement of enforcement, the Federal Government signalled its resolve to ensure strict compliance nationwide, while urging parents, community leaders and retailers to support efforts aimed at fostering a safer and healthier society.
