The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken a decisive step by prohibiting alcoholic beverages produced in sachets less than 200ml. This move, which came into effect on February 1, 2024, marks the culmination of a five-year transition period initiated in 2018.
Addressing the media in Abuja on Monday, February 5, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized that the ban was not abrupt but a phased decision. A multilateral committee had agreed on a gradual approach, reducing production by 50 percent in 2020 and implementing an outright ban by January 31, 2024.
A key motivation behind this prohibition was the negative impact on underage children. Prof Adeyeye stressed that the pocket-friendly sizes of these alcoholic drinks made them easily accessible and affordable to children, leading to potential long-term consequences.
Highlighting the collaborative effort involved in this decision, the director-general mentioned the recommendations of a committee comprising the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and industry representatives such as the Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) and Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN).
In December 2018, a commitment was made to gradually reduce production, with a 5 percent decrease effective from January 31, 2022. The ultimate goal was complete phasing out by January 31, 2024. To ensure compliance, NAFDAC did not renew licenses for manufacturers extending beyond January 2024.
Prof Adeyeye underscored that the enforcement prioritizes the future of the country over other considerations. The health and well-being of Nigerian children and society at large take precedence in this policy implementation.
The director-general emphasized that the most vulnerable to the negative effects of consuming the banned pack sizes are underage individuals and commercial vehicle drivers and riders. By restricting access to these small-volume alcoholic beverages, NAFDAC aims to safeguard the health and safety of these at-risk groups.
In conclusion, NAFDAC’s proactive ban on alcoholic beverages in sachets less than 200ml reflects a commitment to public health and safety. The phased approach and collaboration with various stakeholders underscore the agency’s dedication to addressing the potential harm posed by these products, particularly to underage children and specific occupational groups.
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