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Tag: sachet alcohol

  • Group seeks court order to halt extension of sachet alcohol moratorium

    Group seeks court order to halt extension of sachet alcohol moratorium

    The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has approached the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking injunctive orders to restrain the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Attorney-General of the Federation from further extending the moratorium on the ban of alcohol packaged in sachets.

    SERAP is also asking the court to bar the Federal Government, including the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), from interfering with the statutory powers of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to enforce the prohibition on the production, distribution, and sale of sachet alcohol.

    The organisation is seeking an order of injunction restraining the defendants, their agents, or any persons acting on their behalf from extending any moratorium on the sachet alcohol ban.

    The group is further requesting a perpetual injunction to restrain the defendants from directing, preventing, blocking, or stopping NAFDAC from enforcing the prohibition, in line with its statutory duties under Sections 5 and 30(c) of the NAFDAC Act, the Spirits Drink Regulation, and the Memorandum of Resolution executed on 19 December 2018.

    In the suit marked FHC/L/CS/2568/25, SERAP is also asking the court to compel the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in its supervisory capacity, to immediately ensure that NAFDAC fully enforces the existing nationwide ban on the production, distribution, and sale of alcohol in sachet format.

    The defendants in the suit are the Minister of Health and Social Welfare and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

    SERAP argued that the continued delay by relevant federal authorities in enforcing the ban amounts to a failure to implement established public health regulations aimed at curbing alcohol abuse, protecting public safety, and safeguarding citizens’ well-being.

    The suit was filed on SERAP’s behalf by Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo, SAN, alongside other lawyers from Tayo Oyetibo LP.

    In the originating summons dated 15 December 2025, SERAP contended that the continued circulation of sachet alcohol violates the National Health Act 2014, the NAFDAC Act, the Spirits Drink Regulation 2021 and the Memorandum of Resolution of 19 December 2018, all of which mandate a nationwide ban on sachet alcohol.

    SERAP is asking the court to determine whether the Minister of Health can lawfully refuse or fail to enforce the prohibition, and whether any federal authority has the power to interfere with or delay NAFDAC’s statutory duty to enforce the ban.

    The organisation also wants the court to decide whether, given the acknowledged dangers of alcohol abuse, judicial intervention is required in the interest of public health, public safety, and public order.

    According to SERAP, sachet alcohol, often cheap, highly potent, and widely accessible, has been linked to rising cases of alcohol abuse, particularly among young people and low-income communities. It argues that the 2018 Memorandum of Resolution and subsequent regulations were adopted precisely to address these risks.

    Among the reliefs sought are declarations that the sachet alcohol ban is a valid regulation under the NAFDAC Act; that the Minister of Health has no legal authority to grant or extend any moratorium on its enforcement; and that it is unlawful for any federal authority to interfere with NAFDAC’s enforcement responsibilities.

    SERAP is also asking the court to affirm that the defendants have a duty to ensure the full implementation of the ban nationwide.

    The legal action follows recent unverified social media news suggesting that there is an attempt to further postpone the long-overdue enforcement of the ban championed by a few operators bent on continued violation of the regulation, despite earlier regulatory directives and broad industry commitments.

    The issue has gained renewed attention after the Senate, in a full plenary session, passed a unanimous resolution setting a December 2025 deadline for full enforcement of the ban, citing public health concerns.

    SERAP insists that continued delays undermine Nigeria’s health laws and expose citizens to preventable harm, urging the relevant authorities to prioritise public interest over selfish profit objectives of a few non-compliant businessmen.

  • Enforcement is the issue

    Enforcement is the issue

    •Ban on sachet alcohol and single-use plastics must be enforced for effective result

    In what appears as taking action on the 2024 proposal for the ban on single-use plastics and sachet alcohol, the Federal Government has inaugurated a committee to push the policy. The inter-ministerial committee on the Ban of Single-use Plastics (SUPs) has been inaugurated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, following its approval by by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

    We commend this move by the government, given the global clamour for environmental safety standards. Researchers and environmental scientists have been documenting the effects of the SUPs on our world, both land and sea. Many documentaries have shown the menace of poorly disposed plastics to marine life on a global scale, and the impact on the global community.

    Indeed, many countries have taken various actions to manage this menace, so, Nigeria’s action, if well implemented, would be a plus to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    For a country like Nigeria with her huge population, the production, sale and use of single-use plastics is so huge that its ban would make a significant impact in global terms.

    We however believe that the success of the ban would depend on inter-ministerial contributions because the menace is a multi-ministerial contribution in the first place. This means that there must be a unique collaborative spirit if success is the goal.

    On the other hand, the ban on sachet alcohol is not just a welcome development as much as it shows a deep understanding of the impact of such illicit and easily accessible alcohol to some of the most vulnerable demographics in the country.

    Many countries with a deep understanding of the effects of illicit consumption of alcohol have and try to enforce legal age limits and, in some instances, the quantity that can be consumed. There are usually strictly registered vendor monitors, which make it easy to monitor those breaking the laws.

    Drug and alcohol abuse have become huge global concerns for the danger both pose to populations, especially the young who are usually very vulnerable.

    The existence of sachet alcohol in Nigeria has had very devastating effects on the youth population because they are being hawked on the streets, motor parks and in some extreme cases, in schools, even if in covert ways, by some mischievous small shop owners that pretend as grocery sellers. 

    The rise in crime and insecurity around the country cannot be possible without the easily accessible twin-evils of illicit drugs and alcohol.

    It is pathetic that factories owned by adults and who ought to understand the bad effects of making alcohol accessible through sachets to minors do not foresee the adverse impact of their trade. It is therefore the business of government to make and implement policies that can control the system of distribution of alcohol to the population.

    We hope the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s (NAFDAC) reaffirmation of its efforts and commitment to enforce the total ban on the production and sale of sachet alcohol beverages can be realised. This is because the incidence of fake and adulterated food and drugs is still a menace.

    The effects on the health and well-being of Nigerians are seen in the number of people in hospitals or on the streets. Many Nigerians are suffering organ failures and most are traceable to the consumption of these dangerous items.

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    The availability of alcohol beverages in sachets has caused untold health issues not just for minors but for adults as well. At some points, there have been visual reports of these illicit alcohol being sold to law enforcement agents around their offices and in some extreme cases, some policemen caught patronising the sellers while on duty.

    This is not just a serious aberration in law enforcement ethics but there have been recorded cases of these alcohol beverage consumption impairing the sense of judgement of these officers. There have even been cases of some officers passing out and losing their arms to criminals.

    Nigerians are very eager to see these two issues taken care of in holistic terms. Let it not just be like other policies that die with the ink used in drafting them. There must be a total commitment by both the government and the people to support the total ban on the SUPs and the alcohol in sachets across the country because the impact of both is in the present and in the future. The country would be better in the long run but action must meet words.

  • MAN urges NAFDAC to reconsider ban on sachet alcohol

    MAN urges NAFDAC to reconsider ban on sachet alcohol

    …warns of economic fallout

    The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to rescind the recent directive banning the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small PET bottles by December 31, 2025.

    This directive, which followed a resolution reportedly passed by the Senate on Thursday, November 6, was described by MAN as counterproductive and inconsistent with earlier stakeholder agreements.

    According to a statement by Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director-General of MAN, the decision runs contrary to the consensus reached among all stakeholders, including NAFDAC itself, during the validation of the National Alcohol Policy in October 2025.

    He said the Senate’s resolution was made without proper consultation or public hearings with key industry players, unlike the process adopted by the House of Representatives.

    Ajayi-Kadir explained that the validated policy had recommended multi-sectoral action plans, tighter enforcement, the establishment of licensed liquor outlets, stronger monitoring by regulatory agencies, and national enlightenment campaigns on responsible alcohol consumption, not an outright ban.

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    He also debunked claims that sachet alcohol promotes underage drinking, noting that independent studies commissioned by the government found no empirical evidence to support such claims. He added that the industry had invested over ₦1 billion in public awareness campaigns to discourage alcohol abuse among minors.

    The MAN chief warned that enforcing the ban could lead to massive economic disruption, including the loss of ₦1.9 trillion in investments, over 500,000 direct jobs, and approximately five million indirect jobs in marketing, logistics, and supply chains.

    Ajayi-Kadir further argued that sachet packaging allows low-income adult consumers to afford regulated alcoholic beverages in smaller, safer quantities, a measure that could actually reduce excessive consumption.

    He cautioned that the ban could fuel the spread of illicit, unregulated alcohol, as demand would shift to underground markets, increasing health and safety risks.

    He added that the measure might also open Nigeria’s market to smuggled foreign brands, hurting local manufacturers and depriving the government of valuable tax revenue.

    MAN therefore urged the Senate to withdraw its directive and allow the implementation of the validated National Alcohol Policy, emphasising that effective regulation and public education — not prohibition — remain the most sustainable solutions.

    “MAN supports measures that remove unsafe products from the market,” Ajayi-Kadir said. “However, such decisions must be driven by evidence, not emotion. Abrupt regulatory shifts can jeopardise jobs, livelihoods, and national economic stability.”

    He reaffirmed MAN’s commitment to ensuring compliance with all safety standards and promoting responsible alcohol consumption across the country.

  • Distillers to Fed Govt: stop ban on sachet alcohol

    Distillers to Fed Govt: stop ban on sachet alcohol

    • Outrage over NAFDAC’s action persists

    Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), a sub- group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has urged President Bola Tinubu to stop National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) from banning sachet alcohol.
    It warned the ban would result in loss of N1.2 trillion investments, displacement of over five million from their livelihoods, while more companies would close down.
    An advertorial signed by DIBAN Chair, Patrick Anegbe and Executive Secretary, John Ichue, sought the presidency’s intervention.
    DIBAN, representing over 24 corporate firms and multinationals, produces wines and spirits with local resources.
    The association decried NAFDAC’s action at this time of economic woes.
    It proposed government raises monitoring and compliance by NAFDAC, FCCPC, NDLEA to uphold standards for product quality and safety.
    It challenged claims by NAFDAC that sachet and pet bottle alcohol worsens underage consumption and facilitate substance abuse, particularly through alleged incorporation of hard drugs.
    DIBAN recommended an Executive Order to rescind the ban, while advocating establishment of licensed liquor stores or outlets overseen by local governments.
    Its petition reads: “DIBAN’s investment is worth over N500 billion. Indirect investments of other companies are also worth over N800 billion.
    “DIBAN’s contribution to economy is worth over N1.2 trillion. There are over 500,000 directly employed by DIBAN.
    ‘‘DIBAN also provides indirect employment for over five million people.
    “Governments will lose huge revenue from Excise Duty, VAT, PAYE, corporate tax and others …” DIBAN said.
    “If NAFDAC takes away small sizes, the agency is encouraging excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.”
    The ban has continued to generate reactions among retailers, consumers, and low income earners who depend on these products to generate income.
    The reaction has spiralled into protest from manufacturers, distributors, retailers as well as consumers.
    Medium scale business owners, whose livelihood depends on sales of these drinks, claimed the decision at this time is targeted at the poor trying to cope with harsh economy.
    It was argued that the size of these sachet drinks is the reason people drink responsibly instead of buying big bottles and tempted to drink it all.
    The economy is challenged due to many factors, from terrorism, internal and external conflict, government expenditure, and domestic investment and this is not the time to make harsh decisions that can impact people negatively.
    The ban intersects with broader issues, including poverty, inequality, and public health. While the policy may aim to curb alcohol-related harm, its impact on the vulnerable, including those dependent on sachet drinks for livelihoods or coping mechanisms, must be considered.

    At the beginning of the year 2024 PwC released a report on the economic trends that shape Nigeria’s Economy and one of the trends stated that the poverty level is projected to increase to 38.8% because purchasing power will remain an issue.

    “Business outlook consumer spending may be pressured in 2024 due to rising prices of goods and services (increasing food and transportation costs), coupled with lower disposable income. However, private consumption is expected to be marginally better than 2023.

    Poverty levels are projected to increase to 38.8% in 2024. Despite the low unemployment rate in the country, low consumer spending and purchasing power remains an issue, especially in the absence of commensurate increase in minimum wage to mitigate the inflationary growth in the economy.”

    Therefore, the decision to phase out the sachet drink at this time has more disadvantages than advantages even though it is a good measure to curb health damage that alcohol causes in the body.

    At the last protest organized by the Association of Food, Beverage & Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), it was stated that the outright ban was wrong since sachet drinks were registered food products. The union added that it worried over what will become of the thousands of the workforce who will lose their jobs if the industry is shut down.

    Read Also: Ban on sachet alcoholic beverages puts N800b investment, 500, 000 jobs at risk

    According to AFBTE the total investment of the business is over N800 billion and over 500 million employees will be affected if the government and NAFDAC do not put an end to the ban.

    The drink is produced by reputable companies that are registered under NAFDAC and are registered under the food and beverages segment. This alone, they say will help eliminate the issue of fake sachet alcoholic drinks in the Nigerian market, the union noted.

    Speaking with some of the retailers’ consumers who joined the protest noted that not all Nigerians can afford big capitals to stock their shops with big bottled spirit drinks that they may not sell in months, so they will rather buy products that will drive sales.

    On the part of the advantage of sachet drink a consumer noted that the sachet drink helps control the intake of alcohol in the society there by promoting responsible drinking habits among Nigerians while big the sides big sizes actually encourage excessive consumption.

    Another consumer claimed that introduction of sachet alcohol beverages by reputable companies eliminated the occurrence of sudden deaths during parties due to consumption of illicit beverages.

    He added there is justifiable reason to lay off workers at this period of our economic travels because the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.

    Addressing the root causes of harmful drinking behaviors, such as poverty and lack of access to healthcare and social services, requires a comprehensive approach beyond regulatory measures as such a policy intervention carries the potential to reshape consumption patterns, impact industry dynamics, and influence government revenue streams