Senate To Halt Further Extension Of Sachet Alcohol Ban

The Senate has called on the federal government and regulatory agencies to halt any further extension of the deadline for phasing out alcoholic beverages packaged in sachet formats, citing grave public health concerns and the need to uphold Nigeria’s regulatory standards.

This followed the adoption of a motion titled “The Need to Halt Further Extension of the Phase-Out of Alcoholic Beverages Packaged in Sachet Formats”, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South).

In his lead debate, Senator Ekpenyong noted that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), in line with global regulatory standards and international best practices, had announced a phased ban on the importation, manufacture, and distribution of alcoholic beverages in sachet packaging.

He recalled that in 2018, key stakeholders — including the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), NAFDAC, and industry groups such as the Association of Food, Beverage & Tobacco Employers and the Distillers & Blenders Association of Nigeria — voluntarily signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to gradually phase out the production and sale of such products.

According to him, the decision was informed by growing public health concerns over the affordability, portability, and accessibility of these beverages, which have led to increased consumption and abuse among children, adolescents, commercial drivers, and other vulnerable groups.

Ekpenyong further observed that although the Federal Government granted an additional one-year moratorium in 2024 — extending the deadline to December 2025 — to allow manufacturers adjust production lines and explore compliant packaging alternatives, some industry players are lobbying for yet another extension.

“This continued push for delay undermines regulatory authority, jeopardizes public health, and risks prolonged proliferation of harmful sachet-packaged alcohol in our communities,” the senator warned.

He expressed concern that while some manufacturers have complied in good faith, others continue to flout NAFDAC’s directive, gaining an unfair market advantage and disincentivizing responsible industry practices.

The Senate noted that excessive youth exposure to cheap, high-alcohol-content drinks contributes to addiction, impaired cognitive development, school dropouts, road accidents, domestic violence, and other social vices.

Lawmakers also warned that any further postponement of enforcement would weaken NAFDAC’s statutory powers under Sections 5 and 31 of its enabling Act and undermine Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations on alcohol harm reduction.

Citing Section 17(3)(f) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Ekpenyong emphasized the government’s duty to protect children and young persons from exploitation and harmful exposure.

“Delaying enforcement will only saturate the market with dangerous high-strength alcoholic sachets, reversing years of regulatory effort and public education,” he cautioned.

Following deliberation, the Senate resolved to: “Direct NAFDAC and relevant regulatory agencies not to grant any further extension beyond December 2025, and to ensure strict enforcement of the ban on sachet-packaged high-strength alcohol nationwide.

“Mandate the Federal Ministry of Health to support NAFDAC and ensure unhindered implementation of the prohibition across the country.

“Call on the Federal Ministry of Health to expedite the finalization and release of the National Alcohol Policy, which should include a clear prohibition of high-strength alcoholic beverages in sachet formats.

“Direct the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify public sensitization campaigns on the dangers of sachet alcohol, particularly among youths and school-aged children.”

The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and promoting responsible industry conduct, urging all stakeholders to align with Nigeria’s long-term vision for a safer and healthier society.