The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has reaffirmed that the temporary suspension of the ban on sachet alcoholic beverages will expire on December 31, 2025.
Director of the FCT Directorate of NAFDAC, Kenneth Azikiwe, made this known on Monday in Abuja while clarifying the agency’s position. He explained that the temporary lifting of the ban, as announced by the Minister of Health, was not a permanent reversal.
“There is a ministerial lifting on the ban of sachet alcohol, but it is only temporary and will be reviewed by December 31, 2025,” Azikiwe said. “After this date, the full enforcement of the ban will commence.”
He noted that the grace period was introduced to allow manufacturers and regulatory bodies to work together toward a smooth and effective enforcement of the ban.
“This temporary relief was granted by the Minister to enable all stakeholders align for a more structured implementation,” he added.
Azikiwe also stated that NAFDAC had been actively sensitising stakeholders across the country about the dangers of underage alcohol consumption and the implications of the sachet alcohol ban.
“We have sensitised distributors and reiterated that alcoholic beverages should not be sold to individuals under the age of 18, a warning that is clearly displayed on product labels,” he said.
He praised the Distillers and Beverages Association of Nigeria for supporting the agency’s awareness campaigns and reiterated NAFDAC’s commitment to phasing out sachet alcohol products of less than 200ml.
“Our position remains unchanged: sachet alcohol will be removed from circulation after December 2025,” he said.
The agency’s renewed position comes amidst public confusion and misinformation regarding the status of the controversial ban.