The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has begun strict enforcement of the ban on sachet and small-packaged alcoholic beverages across the country.

Mr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation at NAFDAC, disclosed this in an interview with ARISE News on Thursday, noting that the enforcement exercise commenced earlier this week and is progressing steadily despite logistical challenges.

Iluyomade said the agency is focusing on halting production at factories and securing warehouse stocks to prevent the banned products from reaching markets.

“We started on Monday, and this is day four. So far, it has gone very well. We cannot cover everywhere at once, but we are monitoring closely. Compliance is improving, and many companies are cooperating,” he said.

The official explained that the ban was driven primarily by public health concerns, especially the rising abuse of highly concentrated alcohol among young people and children. He noted that the availability of sachet alcohol has been linked to harmful social behaviours and broader public safety risks.

“Alcohol is a psychoactive substance that contributes significantly to health burdens. It affects children, young people, and also contributes to insecurity. That is why NAFDAC, by 2018, decided that enough was enough,” Iluyomade said, referencing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3.5, which aims to curb unnecessary access to alcohol.

He emphasized that the ban is not sudden, noting that manufacturers were given a five-year moratorium to adjust. “Since 2018, we engaged the industry. The ban targets small sachet packaging, not alcohol itself. The goal is to prevent easy access to potent alcohol among youths,” he said.

Iluyomade explained that sachet alcohol is particularly problematic due to its affordability and portability. “You can buy it for ₦100, carry several sachets in your pocket, and consume them easily. That is why we agreed on a gradual phase-out. Unfortunately, compliance fell short, prompting enforcement.”

On concerns that banned products might re-enter the market, he stated that NAFDAC is acting at the source by shutting down production lines and securing warehouse stocks before moving to open markets.

“All stopped products will be evacuated and properly accounted for to ensure they do not re-enter circulation,” he said.

Addressing resistance from manufacturers and fears of economic losses, Iluyomade said public health remains the agency’s priority. “There is no perfect system. Regulations may upset some, but we cannot focus solely on economic impact without considering societal effects. Our mandate is to protect Nigerians,” he said.

He reiterated that alcohol itself is not banned, only the small sachet packaging, which facilitates rapid intoxication. According to him, while these products are not illegal by formulation, their potency remains a major concern.

NAFDAC’s enforcement is being conducted in phases, with market-level operations set to follow as the agency works to fully implement the ban nationwide.