NAFDAC Confirms Sachet Alcohol Ban to Take Effect from December 2025

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reaffirmed that the ban on sachet-packaged alcoholic beverages will take full effect from December 31, 2025.

Speaking in Abuja, the Director of NAFDAC’s FCT Directorate, Kenneth Azikiwe, clarified that the current suspension of the ban is only temporary, following a ministerial directive aimed at giving manufacturers and regulators additional time to collaborate on a structured enforcement plan.

“There is a ministerial lifting on the ban of sachet alcohol, but it is only temporary and will be reviewed by Dec. 31, 2025,” Azikiwe explained. “After this date, the full enforcement of the ban will commence.”he also urged the public to ignore reports suggesting that the government had permanently lifted the ban, stressing that such information is misleading.

Azikiwe noted that the agency has intensified its nationwide public sensitisation campaign, educating distributors and consumers alike on the dangers of underage drinking and the upcoming regulatory changes. He reiterated that alcoholic beverages must not be sold to anyone under the age of 18, a warning clearly stated on product labels. he also commended the Distillers and Beverages Association of Nigeria for its role in supporting the awareness campaign.

NAFDAC remains committed to phasing out alcohol products in sachets and small plastic containers under 200 millilitres, as part of broader efforts to regulate alcohol consumption and protect public health.