NOA, NAFDAC, FCCPC Launch Nationwide Campaign to Enforce Sachet Alcohol Ban
Abuja, Nigeria – The National Orientation Agency (NOA), in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has flagged off a joint nationwide campaign to enforce the federal government’s ban on sachet alcoholic drinks.
The campaign aims to sensitise Nigerians on the health risks associated with consuming alcohol packaged in sachets and small bottles, which authorities have linked to underage drinking, alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and road accidents.
Speaking at the launch, the NAFDAC Director-General emphasised that the ban is protective rather than punitive, targeting public health and youth safety. “This initiative seeks to educate the public on the dangers of small-pack alcohol and ensure compliance with existing regulations,” the DG said.
The campaign will involve public enlightenment programs, community engagements, and nationwide enforcement. NOA’s Executive Director highlighted that multi-agency collaboration is crucial to ensuring citizens understand the rationale behind the ban and adopt safer drinking practices.
Reactions from Nigerians have been mixed. While some praised the policy as a necessary public health measure, others, particularly small-scale traders, expressed concern about its economic impact. Authorities, however, reiterated that the ban targets only the packaging, not the alcoholic products themselves, and enforcement will continue steadily across the country.
Officials urged manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to comply fully, warning that non-compliance could attract regulatory sanctions under Nigerian law.
Benita Ibrahim
