NAFDAC Upholds Ban on Alcohol in Sachets and Small Bottles to Safeguard Public Health

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reiterated its ban on the sale of alcohol in sachets and small bottles below 200ml in Nigeria. The Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized the need to safeguard public health, prevent underage drinking, and curb the negative societal impacts associated with the easy availability of alcohol.

The ban, supported by the Federal Ministry of Health, aims to protect vulnerable populations, reduce alcohol-related harm, and discourage underage consumption. However, the Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association (NECA) has raised concerns about the economic implications of the ban, citing potential job losses and disruptions in the alcohol beverage industry.

NECANigeria calls for evidence-based regulations and a balanced approach to address the health risks while considering the economic consequences of the ban.