NAFDAC Issues Warning on Underage Alcohol Consumption

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning against the underage consumption of alcohol sold in sachets and small bottles, citing serious public health concerns. During a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Director General Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye stated that underage drinking is increasingly becoming a significant issue in Nigeria, with 54.3% of minors able to obtain alcohol from various sources.

The agency noted that alcohol is a major contributor to youth suicides, violence, and accidents. The findings revealed that 49.9% of minors purchase alcohol from stores, while others acquire it from friends and family.

Prof. Adeyeye emphasized the health risks associated with early alcohol consumption, including brain damage, liver and kidney issues, and increased likelihood of depression and anxiety. NAFDAC urged the federal ministries of health and social welfare to enforce the ban on sachet alcohol and small bottles, advocating for nationwide awareness campaigns to reduce underage drinking.