NAFDAC Denies Ban On Large Bottled Alcohol, Says Enforcement Targets Sachet Drinks

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has denied claims that it has banned the production of large bottled alcoholic drinks in Nigeria.

LEADERSHIP reports that the restriction on sachets and small PET-bottled alcoholic beverages was introduced several years ago as part of efforts by regulators to reduce alcohol abuse among young people. The small packaging formats are typically cheap and easily accessible, making them attractive to underage consumers.

However, speaking at the 2026 World Consumer Rights Day programme organised by the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) and hosted by Rite Foods Limited in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, the director general of NAFDAC, Dr Mojisola Adeyeye, said the agency’s current enforcement focuses only on the prohibition of sachet and small PET bottled alcoholic beverages.

Adeyeye, who was represented by NAFDAC’s deputy director, Tinuola Akinnubi, explained that the agency’s enforcement targets only sachet and small PET bottled alcoholic drinks, which have been restricted due to concerns over underage consumption and public health risks.

Speaking on why the products are still widely displayed by street vendors across the country despite the enforcement, Akinnubi said the process would take time before the products disappear completely from the market.

“Some people are still exhibiting them for sale, but we have started enforcement. It may take some time before they are completely wiped out from circulation,” she said.

She added that the policy was designed to curb the easy accessibility of alcohol to minors.

“We are only against sachet and small PET bottled hot drinks to prevent children from becoming addicted to alcohol as they grow up,” Akinnubi stated.

However, market checks by LEADERSHIP indicated that the prices of sachet and small PET bottled alcoholic drinks have risen in recent weeks. Traders attributed the increase to tightening enforcement, which they say is gradually reducing supply in the market.

Moreover, Akinnubi also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among regulatory agencies to ensure that consumers are protected from fake, substandard, or expired products.

She said NAFDAC is ready to work closely with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to sanitise the Nigerian market.

“We need the joint efforts of other sister agencies to ensure consumers get value for their money,” she said.

According to her, some issues frequently raised by consumers fall outside NAFDAC’s jurisdiction.

“For instance, complaints about fruit sellers using chemicals to ripen fruits are often directed to NAFDAC, but that is outside our jurisdiction. With stronger collaboration among agencies, such concerns can be properly addressed,” she explained.

Speaking at the event, Nigerian consumer rights advocate and member of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT), Sola Salako-Ajulo, urged journalists to intensify public education on consumer rights.

She noted that increased awareness would help consumers make informed choices and resist exploitation by unscrupulous traders.

Salako-Ajulo stressed that informed consumers play a critical role in ensuring safer products and improving accountability in the marketplace.

Meanwhile, Rite Foods Limited disclosed that it currently employs over 2,000 workers as part of its operations in Nigeria.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP, the company’s Production Manager, Ajileye Olufemi, said employee welfare and continuous training remain top priorities for the company.

He explained that the company regularly conducts quality checks on its products to ensure they meet global standards.

“The welfare of our more than 2,000 workers is a top priority for management. We also prioritise continuous capacity building to maintain world-class production standards,” Olufemi said.

He added that the company routinely conducts laboratory assessments on its bottled water and other beverages to ensure they meet international quality benchmarks.