The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has justified the nationwide prohibition of sachet and small-pack alcoholic beverages, describing it as the most practical step toward addressing the growing incidence of underage drinking in Nigeria.
Adeyeye made the remarks on Tuesday in Abuja during a press conference announcing the commencement of enforcement of the ban.
According to NAFDAC boss, the enforcement drive would be conducted in collaboration with NAFDAC, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). She explained that limiting the sale of alcohol in sachets and small bottles—which are easily concealed—would greatly curb children’s access to alcoholic drinks. Adeyeye emphasized that alcohol remains one of the most commonly abused substances among youths.
Citing research, she highlighted a sharp increase in alcohol availability, production, importation, and consumption across all age groups in recent decades, noting that easy access has been a key driver of rising consumption among minors.
She also recalled that in 2021, NAFDAC, in collaboration with the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), conducted a survey to further assess the issue.