Over half of Nigerian minors buy alcohol themselves – NAFDAC 

NIGERIA – More than half of Nigerian minors and underaged children purchase alcohol for themselves, often in sachets and small bottles that are easy to conceal, according to findings from a national survey released by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). 

NAFDAC said the survey, conducted in collaboration with the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), shows that 54% of minors and underaged respondents obtain alcohol directly without adult assistance.  

The agency said the findings reinforce its decision to phase out alcohol packaged in sachets and bottles smaller than 200 millilitres. 

The policy, which has drawn strong opposition from manufacturers, distributors and petty traders, aims to curb underage drinking. Industry players argue that the ban threatens livelihoods, disrupts supply chains and unfairly targets affordable products relied on by low-income consumers. 

NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the survey demonstrates a clear link between packaging size and access by children.  

“Access to alcohol by children can be limited if pack sizes that can be easily concealed are not available. A ban on small pack sizes, sachets and less than 200ml bottles, can reduce the menace of underage drinking,” Adeyeye stated. 

The survey was conducted between June and August 2021 by Research and Data Solutions Ltd and sponsored by DIBAN. It covered 1,788 respondents across six states representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.  

The findings showed that 54.3% of minors and underaged respondents obtained alcohol by themselves from various sources, with nearly half purchasing directly from retailers selling sachet-packaged drinks and small plastic bottles. 

Among those who procured alcohol personally, 47.2% of minors and 48.8% of underaged respondents bought sachet-packaged alcohol, while more than 40% purchased drinks in small PET bottles. The procurement of sachet and small-bottle alcohol was highest in Rivers, Lagos and Kaduna states. 

The survey also highlighted concerning consumption patterns. One in four underaged respondents reported drinking alcohol daily, while more than 9% of minors said they consume alcohol every day. 

“Alcohol is one of the most widely used substances of abuse among youths and it is a growing public health concern in Nigeria,” the report stated, noting that increased production, importation and availability over the past two decades have coincided with rising consumption across all age groups. 

While industry executives have argued that underage drinking stems from weak enforcement of age restrictions rather than packaging format, NAFDAC has rejected that position.  

“The availability and easy access to alcohol have been identified as a contributory factor to the increasing alcohol consumption among minors,” Adeyeye said. 

She added, “Consumption of alcohol by children should raise alarm for parents, teachers, religious leaders and the community at large,” as the agency frames the policy within a broader child protection and public health agenda. 

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