NAFDAC Reaffirms Ban on Sachet Alcohol Under 200ml, Crackdown Ongoing
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reaffirmed that there is no going back on its ban of small volume alcoholic drinks in Nigeria, specifically those packaged in containers under 200ml. NAFDAC Zonal Director for the South-east, Festus Ukadike, stated in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Enugu on Friday that the crackdown has already begun, targeting manufacturers and distributors of sachet alcohol, with arrests and seizures reported in Enugu, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, and Anambra states. He said the next phase will focus on mopping up the remaining sachet products currently in the market. Ukadike emphasized that businesses will not be adversely affected because they can still produce alcohol in bottles of 200ml or larger. He cited the protection of children’s health as the primary motivation, arguing that reducing early exposure to alcohol will curb antisocial behaviours and lower risks of cancer and other terminal diseases. While some consumers welcomed the ban for health reasons, others expressed concern that it would make alcohol less affordable for low-income earners, with suggestions ranging from limiting sales to motor parks to restricting sachet liquor to specialized stores. Given the ongoing enforcement across the South-east zone, what adjustments might you consider regarding your alcohol consumption—such as switching to larger bottles, reducing intake, or exploring non‑alcoholic alternatives—given the new regulatory landscape?