The Federal Government has initiated the enforcement of a ban on the importation, manufacturing, distribution, sale, and use of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET, and glass bottles of 200 ml and below.
Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), revealed this at a press conference in Abuja on Monday.
Adeyeye stated that the deadline for manufacturers to cease production in sachets and PET bottles had elapsed on January 31, 2024. As of that date, no alcoholic beverages in these categories were registered by NAFDAC. The agency has commenced nationwide enforcement actions from February 1, 2024, to ensure compliance with the new policy.
She emphasized the seriousness of the matter, stating that NAFDAC views it as a flagrant disobedience to Nigerian laws. Adeyeye announced that the agency would employ all statutory means, including prosecution, to address the situation.
The decision to ban such alcoholic beverage packaging sizes was made by a high-powered committee involving the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, and other relevant agencies in December 2018. Adeyeye highlighted the commitment of producers to reduce production by 5 percent from January 31, 2022, with a complete phase-out by January 31, 2024.
Adeyeye justified the decision as being in the best interest of the country to protect under-aged individuals and Nigerians in general. She cited the World Health Organization’s findings on the negative effects of alcohol consumption on children and the association of harmful alcohol consumption with various health conditions and social problems.
To combat alcohol abuse, Adeyeye mentioned the World Health Organization’s recommended actions, including regulating the marketing of alcoholic beverages, especially to younger people, and regulating and restricting the availability of alcohol.