NAFDAC enforces sachet alcohol ban, ordering recalls and warning manufacturers of heavy fines, product registration suspension and possible facility closure.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has begun enforcing the ban on sachet alcohol, ordering manufacturers to recall and destroy affected products while warning violators of heavy fines and possible facility closure.
NAFDAC Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye disclosed this on Monday after the expiration of the grace period granted to manufacturers to comply with the Federal Government’s directive prohibiting the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in the restricted packaging.
The prohibition commenced on January 1, 2026, after authorities raised concerns about the widespread sale of high-alcohol beverages in inexpensive, small-sized packaging and their easy access among minors and young adults.
Adeyeye instructed firms continuing to manufacture or supply the prohibited beverages to initiate nationwide retrieval efforts and provide NAFDAC with regular updates on their compliance.
She said all recovered products would be documented and destroyed under NAFDAC’s supervision, with the companies responsible bearing the cost of the exercise.
The regulator said the crackdown would be implemented gradually, starting with producers and later expanding to markets, motor parks, retail outlets, drinking establishments and distribution points nationwide.
Affected companies will also be required to sign formal compliance agreements through the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria and the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers.
Adeyeye said production facilities found manufacturing the prohibited beverages would remain closed until NAFDAC inspectors confirm that the relevant production lines have been dismantled, rendered unusable or converted to approved operations.
She warned that companies that fail to comply could face prolonged closure, placement on NAFDAC’s regulatory watchlist, suspension or cancellation of product registrations and other legal and regulatory sanctions.
The director-general further warned that banned alcoholic products found in circulation could attract substantial financial penalties and lead to the permanent closure of facilities involved in their production.
She added that NAFDAC could invoke provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act against companies engaged in the illegal manufacture of the prohibited beverages.
The agency said industry associations had indicated their willingness to cooperate with the enforcement exercise, while manufacturers had previously proposed converting their production lines to accommodate larger, approved packaging.
Under a December 2018 memorandum of understanding, manufacturers were initially given five years to modify their facilities and phase out the restricted packaging.
The deadline was subsequently extended to December 31, 2025, following further discussions between the government and industry stakeholders.
NAFDAC said the enforcement campaign is aimed at reducing young people’s exposure to high-alcohol beverages and addressing the harmful effects associated with alcohol consumption.
The regulator also called on Nigerians to notify the nearest NAFDAC office or use its official communication platforms to report the production, distribution or sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets or plastic containers below 200ml.