NAFDAC Upholds Ban on Sachet Alcoholic Beverages Despite Protests

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) reaffirms its ban on sachet alcoholic beverages, emphasizing the health risks, especially to children. Adeyey, a NAFDAC official, explained that the ban is necessary to prevent easy access to alcohol by children and young people, particularly through commercial vehicles and roadside businesses.

The sachet alcohol contains a significantly higher alcohol concentration compared to beer, posing serious health threats. Adeyey referenced the World Health Assembly's 2010 directive urging countries to prevent children's access to alcohol.

The ban, initially discussed in 2018 with a five-year moratorium, was extended until December 2025. Adeyey emphasized that enforcement will continue unless a law is passed to stop it, highlighting the dangers of early alcohol consumption on children's health and societal well-being.