The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has declared that the comprehensive enforcement of the prohibition on the production and distribution of sachet alcoholic beverages will commence on December 31, 2025.
Kenneth Azikiwe, the Director of NAFDAC’s FCT Directorate, provided this clarification during a press conference held in Abuja on Monday.
He noted that the recent ministerial decision to temporarily suspend the ban will conclude at the end of 2025.
“There is a ministerial lifting on the ban of sachet alcohol, but it is only temporary and will be reviewed by December 31, 2025. After this date, full enforcement of the ban will begin,” Azikiwe said.
Following this date, the full enforcement of the ban will take effect.’ He further emphasized that the temporary suspension was intended to facilitate collaboration between manufacturers and regulators for a more seamless and effective implementation of the ban.
Azikiwe also cautioned the public against misleading reports suggesting that the ban had been permanently lifted.
‘The minister provided this temporary reprieve to enable manufacturers and regulators to work together and ensure a more organized and effective enforcement of the ban,’ he remarked.
NAFDAC is actively conducting awareness campaigns across the nation and has communicated with distributors regarding responsible alcohol sales.
“The minister granted this temporary relief to give manufacturers and regulators time to collaborate and ensure a more structured and effective implementation of the ban,” he stated..
He also praised the Distillers and Beverages Association of Nigeria for supporting the public education efforts.
Finally, NAFDAC confirmed that sachet alcohol products containing less than 200 millilitres will be phased out after December 2025, as part of its goal to regulate alcohol use and protect public health.
