Juliet Oladele, Reporting
LAGOS — The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced full-scale enforcement of the Federal Government-approved prohibition on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET or plastic bottles below 200ml.
The move follows the execution of an Irrevocable Enforcement Undertaking signed by the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), and their member companies, signalling the end of an extended transition period that began with industry consultations in 2018.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, NAFDAC Director General, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, emphasised that the ban was not an abrupt decision but rather the culmination of years of regulatory discussions, industry negotiations, and extended deadlines designed to balance public health concerns with economic realities.
A Timeline of Regulation
Professor Adeyeye outlined the lengthy journey towards enforcement, which began in 2018 when NAFDAC first raised concerns over the widespread availability of high-alcohol-content drinks in small, inexpensive containers that were easily accessible to minors.
At that time, regulators from NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) engaged with industry bodies including DIBAN and AFBTE in discussions that would ultimately shape the phasing-out process.
A five-year moratorium was subsequently granted from 2019 to January 2024, allowing manufacturers time to reconfigure production lines, shift to larger packaging formats, and gradually phase out sachet alcohol and small bottles. An initial enforcement attempt in February 2024 met resistance from industry stakeholders, prompting intervention from the National Assembly.
Following further lobbying and consultations, the Federal Government granted an additional extension until 31 December 2025, enabling manufacturers and distributors more time to adjust and dispose of existing stock while public awareness campaigns intensified around underage drinking and alcohol abuse.
Full Ban Takes Effect
The full ban officially took effect on 1 January 2026, covering alcohol packaged in sachets, PET bottles below 200ml, and glass bottles below 200ml. The objective, according to NAFDAC, was to reduce underage drinking, alcohol abuse, and easy access to highly concentrated alcoholic beverages.
The agency cited independent research highlighting the devastating impact of underage drinking, revealing that 47.2% of minors and 48.8% of underage individuals procure drinks in sachets, while 41.2% of minors and 47.2% of underage individuals obtain drinks in PET bottles.
Two-Tier Enforcement Strategy
In January 2026, NAFDAC announced the commencement of first-tier enforcement after receiving legislative backing from the Senate, beginning with manufacturers. Any lots found in facilities were evacuated and destroyed.
By July 2026, the agency launched second-tier nationwide mop-up operations across markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, and distribution centres to seize remaining sachet alcohol and sub-200ml PET alcoholic beverages. The operation led to the closure of factories and the arrest of staff at companies still found to be producing the prohibited pack sizes.
Irrevocable Enforcement Undertaking
As part of the enforcement undertaking, affected manufacturers are required to immediately commence a nationwide recall of all alcoholic drinks packaged in prohibited containers from distributors, warehouses, and other points within the supply chain, submitting periodic compliance reports to NAFDAC.
The agency has also imposed investigative charges on defaulting companies found to have violated regulatory directives relating to the manufacture and distribution of alcoholic beverages in prohibited package sizes.
Strict Conditions for Reopening
Before any sealed facility can be reopened, NAFDAC requires satisfactory evidence that production lines used for prohibited package sizes have been dismantled, permanently disabled, or reconfigured to prevent further manufacture of alcohol in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml. Such dismantling or reconfiguration must be carried out under the direct supervision and verification of NAFDAC officers.
The reopening and continued operation of any facility remain subject to full compliance with the nationwide recall directive, payment of all applicable investigative charges and regulatory fees, successful destruction of recalled products under NAFDAC supervision, verification of equipment dismantling, and satisfactory inspection and certification by the agency.
Sanctions for Non-Compliance
Professor Adeyeye warned that companies failing to comply with the terms of the undertaking risk severe regulatory sanctions, including continued facility closures, placement on NAFDAC’s Regulatory Watchlist, suspension or revocation of product registrations, and criminal prosecution where applicable.
The NAFDAC Director General reiterated that the agency is not against alcohol consumption itself but opposes the proliferation of high-alcohol products in small, inexpensive containers that make access easier for children and young people.
Public Appeal
Members of the public are encouraged to report the sale, distribution, or manufacture of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml through NAFDAC’s official communication channels or nearest NAFDAC office.
“NAFDAC remains committed to protecting public health and reducing harmful alcohol consumption, particularly among vulnerable populations, including children and young persons,” Professor Adeyeye said. “The Agency will continue to work with industry stakeholders while ensuring strict compliance with regulatory directives designed to safeguard the health and wellbeing of Nigeria.
