National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has reiterated that its ban on the sale of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and other small-volume containers remains in effect, stressing that the policy will not be reversed.
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‎The agency’s South-East Zonal Director, Festus Ukadike, disclosed this in an interview on Friday in Enugu, saying enforcement was already underway across the region.
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‎According to him, NAFDAC has begun clamping down on manufacturers and distributors of sachet alcoholic beverages, with the next phase focusing on removing the remaining products from markets nationwide.
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‎Mr Ukadike explained that the directive would not stop companies from producing alcoholic beverages, provided they are packaged in bottles of at least 200 millilitres.
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‎He revealed that enforcement operations had resulted in arrests and product seizures in several South-East states, including Enugu, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi and Anambra.
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‎The zonal director said the decision was primarily aimed at protecting children and young people from early exposure to alcohol and reducing unhealthy drinking habits.
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‎He noted that limiting access to sachet alcohol would encourage healthier lifestyles among young Nigerians, help reduce antisocial behaviour, and support efforts to tackle diseases such as cancer.
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‎Mr Ukadike also urged Nigerians to consume alcohol responsibly, insisting that doing without sachet-sized drinks should not be considered a major inconvenience.
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‎Addressing concerns that the ban could make alcohol less affordable, he maintained that safeguarding public health takes precedence over commercial interests.
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‎He added that within the next 12 months, the country should have a fully regulated market where no alcoholic drink is sold in containers smaller than 200 millilitres.
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‎Meanwhile, reactions from consumers were divided. While some welcomed the policy as a step towards improving public health, others argued that it would make alcoholic beverages less affordable for low-income earners.
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‎One consumer, Charles Otubo, suggested that instead of a nationwide ban, the restriction should be enforced mainly in motor parks to help reduce road accidents.
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‎(NAN)
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