The federal government has officially prohibited the production of alcoholic beverages in sachets less than 200ml.
Beyond Boders reports that the announcement came from the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday.
Prof Adeyeye revealed that the decision to ban these small sachet drinks and pet bottles was reached after the expiration of a five-year window given to manufacturers, which started in 2018 and concluded on January 31, 2024 hence, the enforcement of the ban commenced on February 1, 2024.
The Director-General explained that the ban was recommended by a committee involving the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and industry representatives, including the Association of Food, Beverages, and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), in December 2018.
In a quote attributed to her, Prof Adeyeye stated, “Producers of alcohol in sachets and small volume agreed to reduce the production by 5 percent with effect from 31st January 2022 while ensuring the product is completely phased out in the country by 31st January 2024.”
This decision aims to address concerns related to the consumption and impact of these small sachet alcoholic beverages and ensure a safer and healthier environment for the public.
