54.3% Of Minors, Underage Children Buy Alcohol Themselves

A study conducted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has revealed that 54.3 per cent of minors and underaged children independently procure alcoholic beverages, often from neighbourhood retailers who sell cheap sachet alcohol and small polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.

The survey, sponsored by the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) and conducted by Research and Data Solutions Ltd, evaluated underage drinking patterns across six states (Gombe, Kaduna, FCT, Anambra, Lagos and Rivers) in 2021, representing all geopolitical zones.

A total of 1,788 respondents participated in the quantitative segment, while 161 took part in focus group discussions and key informant interviews.

Presenting the report, the director-general of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the findings highlight a “growing public health concern” as alcohol becomes increasingly accessible to children.

“The availability and easy access to alcohol have been identified as a major contributory factor to rising consumption among minors,” she said.

The study revealed that nearly half of minors and underaged persons obtain alcohol from friends and relatives, while 45.9 per cent access it at social gatherings.

It further revealed that sachet alcohol and PET bottles are the most common forms purchased, with sachets used by 47.2 of minors and 48.8 per cent of underaged respondents.

Access through retailers selling sachet and bottled drinks stood at 49.9 per cent, compared to 15.4 per cent via liquor stores and 12.6 per cent via restaurants.

Daily consumption was reported by 9.3 per cent of minors and 25.2 per cent of underaged children, while 63.2 per cent of minors drink occasionally.

The study also noted that male minors and children in rural communities were more likely to purchase cheaper sachet alcohol.

According to the survey, Rivers and Lagos States record the highest rates of sachet and PET-bottle alcohol consumption among minors.

It found that in Rivers State alone, 68 per cent of minors and underaged children buy alcohol in sachets, while another 64.5 per cent purchase alcohol in PET bottles. Lagos recorded similarly high figures, with 52.3 per cent of minors buying sachet alcohol and 47.7 per cent opting for PET bottles, followed by Kaduna with 38.6 per cent and 28.4 per cent respectively.

NAFDAC warned that the availability of small, easily concealed alcohol packs, particularly sachets and bottles under 200ml, continues to fuel underage drinking.