NAFDAC reaffirms temporary lifting of sachet alcohol ban 

NIGERIA – The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reiterated that the recent suspension of the ban on sachet alcohol is temporary and will remain in effect only until 31 December 2025. 

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Kenneth Azikiwe, Director of the FCT Directorate of NAFDAC, clarified that the ministerial decision to lift the ban was not permanent. He urged the public to disregard misinformation suggesting otherwise. 

“There is a ministerial lifting on the ban of sachet alcohol, but it is only temporary and will be reviewed by 31 December 2025,” Azikiwe said.  

“The minister granted this temporary relief to allow manufacturers and regulators time to collaborate and ensure a more structured and effective implementation of the ban.” 

Azikiwe emphasized that sachet alcohol products below 200 milliliters would be phased out after the review period.  

He noted that NAFDAC had launched nationwide sensitisation campaigns to raise awareness about the risks associated with sachet alcohol and underage consumption. 

“We have sensitised distributors and reiterated that alcohol should not be sold to individuals under the age of 18, which is also clearly stated on the product labels,” he added. 

He also acknowledged the support of the Distillers and Beverages Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) in backing the agency’s public awareness initiatives. 

NAFDAC had announced the original ban in 2023, citing concerns over the accessibility of sachet alcohol to minors and its role in contributing to substance abuse. 

NAFDAC shuts down non-compliant water factory 

In a separate enforcement action, NAFDAC shut down a registered water factory in Lafia, Nasarawa State, for producing unapproved water brands. 

Anga Emmanuel, Deputy Director and Head of NAFDAC’s Lafia office, disclosed that the facility, licensed to produce Mainima Table Water, was caught during a routine inspection manufacturing five unregistered products. 

These included Bilal Table Water, Nkonjun Table Water, Anumzi Table Water, and Agbeni Table Water, none of which were approved by the agency. 

Emmanuel noted that the factory’s license had expired and it failed to comply with basic regulatory standards. He condemned the activity as fraudulent and unsafe for public health, warning that NAFDAC would intensify surveillance to curb such illegal practices. 

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.