Nigeria Launches Alcohol Policy for Harm Reduction

On August 27, 2026, the Federal Government of Nigeria launched the Nigeria Alcohol Policy and its Multisectoral Implementation Plan (2026–2030) in Abuja. The policy aims to establish a national framework to reduce alcohol-related harm while fostering responsible industrial development, job creation, and economic growth.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasized that the alcohol policy is a national development issue encompassing public health, economic development, social wellbeing, and governance. He noted that while alcohol contributes to various sectors, harmful use leads to significant health and social issues.

The latest World Health Organisation data indicated that total alcohol consumption in Nigeria was 3.2 litres per person aged 15 and above in 2024. The policy aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on harm reduction, health promotion, and the responsible operation of the alcohol industry.

Prof. Pate also addressed the challenge of illicit alcohol, estimating that 40% of spirits and wines are unrecorded.