Health Groups Back NAFDAC Ban on Satchet Alcoholic Drinks
The Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED) and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) have expressed strong support for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s (NAFDAC) decision to ban the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET bottles, and glass bottles of 200ml and below, effective December 2025.
In a joint statement on Sunday, the organisations described the ban as a long-overdue public health measure critical for protecting children, youths, and other vulnerable groups.
NAFDAC introduced the policy to curb the misuse of cheap alcoholic drinks among young people and drivers, citing links to domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts, and other social vices.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) had warned that the ban could threaten up to five million jobs and reduce investment in the sector. NHED and CAPPA dismissed these claims as exaggerated and prioritising profit over public health.
“We reject MAN’s assertion that the ban will cause N1.9 trillion in investment losses and lead to over 500,000 job cuts. These figures are inflated and unverifiable scare tactics commonly used by alcohol and tobacco corporations globally,” the statement said.
The organisations highlighted that sachet alcohol production is largely mechanised and requires minimal human labour. They criticised manufacturers for continuing production despite a multi-year phase-out period ending in December 2025 and accused industry players of using economic misinformation to undermine evidence-based policies.
Dr Jerome Mafeni, NHED’s Technical Director, stressed the urgent need to prioritise public safety over corporate profits.
“The long-term social and economic costs of alcohol-related harm—violence, reduced productivity, healthcare burdens, and addiction—far exceed any short-term gains manufacturers seek to protect. Children should not be able to buy high-alcohol products for as little as N100,” he said.
CAPPA Executive Director Akinbode Oluwafemi praised NAFDAC’s move as consistent with global best practices. “No responsible public health agency would allow products that encourage unrestricted, on-the-go, and underage drinking. We commend NAFDAC for resisting corporate pressure and urge other government agencies to support the ban’s implementation,” he said.
Both organisations called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and other authorities not to yield to corporate lobbying or delay the life-saving policy.
They also recommended complementary measures, including increased taxation, stricter marketing regulations, clear labelling, and nationwide awareness campaigns.
“NAFDAC’s ban is the right policy at the right time. NHED and CAPPA stand firmly with the agency and all Nigerians committed to a healthier and safer society,” the statement concluded.
