Ban on Sale of Alcoholic Beverages in Sachets, Small Bottles Ignored Despite Enforcement Efforts
Despite efforts by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to enforce a ban on the sale and use of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small bottles below 200ml, the products continue to be sold and used across major cities in Nigeria.
The ban, which came into effect on February 1, 2024, aimed to curb the accessibility of alcohol to underage individuals and safeguard public health. However, reports indicate that the ban has not been effectively implemented, with alcoholic beverages still being sold without restriction at major parks and locations in cities like Lagos and Abuja.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reiterated the agency's commitment to the ban, emphasizing the need to protect Nigerians' health. Despite protests from distillers and labor unions, who argue that the ban would lead to job losses and financial losses, NAFDAC remains resolute in its decision.
However, enforcement of the ban has faced challenges, with traders continuing to display and sell sachet and pet bottle alcohol openly. Despite the ban, the sale of these products persists in major motor parks in Abuja and prominent areas in Lagos.
In response to queries about the status of the ban, Adeyeye affirmed that it had not been rescinded, indicating that the agency is awaiting further directives from the Ministry. NAFDAC had previously expressed its intention to collaborate with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to ensure compliance with the ban.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has underscored the health risks associated with alcohol consumption, highlighting its carcinogenic properties and the increased risk of developing various types of cancer. Despite these risks, the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small bottles persist, raising concerns about public health and regulatory enforcement.
As NAFDAC awaits further directives, stakeholders continue to debate the implications of the ban on both public health and economic interests, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies to address alcohol-related health risks while balancing economic considerations.
