NAFDAC Report Reveals 1 in 4 Underaged Nigerians Drink Alcohol Daily, Urgent Intervention Needed

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised concerns over the high rate of underage alcohol consumption in Nigeria. A survey conducted in collaboration with the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria and DIBAN revealed that 25.2% of minors aged 13-17 consume alcohol daily, with 9.3% of those below 13 also drinking daily.

The study, conducted between June and August 2021 across six states, involved 1,788 respondents and qualitative interviews. The survey highlighted that easy access to alcohol, particularly in sachet or small bottle formats, contributes to underage drinking, with minors obtaining alcohol from friends, relatives, or social gatherings.

NAFDAC Director General, Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized the need for regulatory action, public awareness campaigns, and parental oversight to address the growing public health crisis of underage alcohol consumption.