Senate Orders Total Ban on Sachet Alcohol by December 2025
The Senate has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to fully enforce a nationwide ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small plastic bottles by December 2025, warning that no further extension will be allowed.
The resolution followed a motion by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), who raised concerns over repeated extensions of the phase-out date despite the public health risks. He noted that the ban was originally set for 2023, later moved to 2024, and then to 2025, largely due to pressure from industry players.
Ekpenyong said sachet-packaged alcohol is cheaply accessible and often reaches children, contributing to addiction, domestic violence, road accidents, and other social issues. The motion received broad support from lawmakers, who described the products as harmful and widely available near schools, markets, and motor parks.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio upheld the resolution, stressing that it is necessary to safeguard public health. He said the Senate has taken a firm stand to prevent further harm, especially among young people.
The Senate also directed the National Orientation Agency to begin a national campaign on the dangers of sachet alcohol and urged the Federal Ministry of Health to expedite the release of the National Alcohol Policy.
The ban is expected to take full effect by December 2025 with strict enforcement across the country.
