The Nigerian Senate has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to maintain the December 31, 2025 deadline for the ban on the production of alcohol in sachets and small bottles, warning that no extension will be tolerated.
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‎The directive followed a motion presented by Senator Ekpenyong, who explained that the policy aligns with global regulatory standards and international best practices designed to reduce alcohol-related harm among Nigerians.
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‎According to him, the continued production and sale of high-strength alcoholic beverages in sachets have contributed to a range of societal issues, including addiction, impaired cognitive development, school dropouts, domestic violence, and increased road accidents, particularly among commercial drivers and young people.
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‎Ekpenyong further observed that manufacturers who had complied with the ban in good faith now face unfair competition from others who continue to flout the directive, thereby creating an uneven playing field in the market.
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‎During deliberations, several lawmakers commended Ekpenyong for bringing the matter before the Senate, emphasizing the need for stronger enforcement and widespread public awareness campaigns to curb alcohol misuse.
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‎Senator Anthony Ani (Ebonyi South) supported the motion, describing the proliferation of cheap alcohol as a growing social menace.
‎“The easy availability of cheap alcohol is fueling social vices. We must act now to save our young generation from self-destruction,” Ani warned.
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‎In his ruling, Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded the resolution as a timely intervention to safeguard public health and promote youth welfare.
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‎He urged NAFDAC to ensure strict compliance and full enforcement of the ban by December 2025, cautioning that any further delay or extension would undermine Nigeria’s ongoing fight against substance abuse.
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‎“This is a matter of urgency,” Akpabio stated. “The agency must act decisively to protect Nigerians, especially our young people, from the dangers of unregulated alcohol consumption.”