FG enforces sachet alcohol ban 

The Federal Government has begun nationwide enforcement of its ban on sachet alcoholic drinks and bottles below 200 millilitres after data showed that 54.3 per cent of minors buy alcohol for themselves. The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the move as a public health intervention. “Today marks more than […]

The Federal Government has begun nationwide enforcement of its ban on sachet alcoholic drinks and bottles below 200 millilitres after data showed that 54.3 per cent of minors buy alcohol for themselves.

The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the move as a public health intervention.

“Today marks more than a press briefing. It marks the official flagging-off of a joint nationwide campaign on the ban of sachet alcoholic drinks,” he said.

He added, “The Federal Government, through NAFDAC, has banned the production and sale of alcohol in sachets and in PET or glass bottles below 200 millilitres, effective from January 1, 2026.”

He noted that the decision was aimed at reducing underage access to cheap, high-concentration alcohol.

“For too long, sachet alcohol has been dangerously accessible. It is inexpensive. It is portable. It is easy to conceal,” he said.

He explained that affordability combined with vulnerability had created serious consequences in communities.

“When affordability meets vulnerability, the consequences are profound,” he noted.

Citing findings from a 2021 survey involving 1,788 respondents across six states, he said, “Most minors and underaged, 54.3 per cent, buy alcohol for themselves.”

He added, “Of those who procure drinks for themselves, 47.2 per cent of minors and 48.8 per cent of underaged procure drinks in sachets.”

He noted that 41.2 per cent of minors and 47.2 per cent of underaged persons procure drinks in PET bottles.

He said, “Most minors, 63.2 per cent, and underaged, 54.0 per cent, consume alcohol occasionally.”

He added, “2.5 per cent of minors and 11.7 per cent of underaged children had engaged in binge drinking.”

Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, said access to alcohol by children can be limited if small pack sizes that are easily concealed are removed from circulation.

She noted that 47.2 per cent of minors and 48.8 per cent of underaged persons who procure alcohol buy it in sachets, adding that banning small pack sizes would reduce underage drinking.

On enforcement, NOA Boss said government would not retreat.

“Government has both a constitutional duty and a moral obligation to act before harm becomes entrenched,” he said.

He added, “Let it be clearly stated: consumer protection is public protection. Market responsibility is national responsibility.”

He noted that the campaign was being executed jointly with NAFDAC and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to align regulation, consumer protection and public enlightenment.

“This joint campaign represents unity of purpose,” he said.

He explained that NOA would deploy its 818 offices nationwide and its operational structures across all 774 local government areas.

“We will ensure that this message reaches every community,” he said.

He added, “We expect full compliance from retailers and distributors.”

He noted that the agency would not relent in sensitising citizens.

“We will not relent in protecting the wellbeing of Nigerians,” he said.