The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has directed manufacturers to recall alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and containers below 200ml as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to curb harmful alcohol consumption.
The agency instructed manufacturers to identify and properly document all affected products before destroying them under NAFDAC’s supervision. The manufacturers are also expected to bear the cost of the recall and destruction exercise.
NAFDAC said the move was aimed at removing prohibited small-volume alcoholic drinks from circulation and reducing their accessibility, particularly among young people.
The restriction on the production, importation, distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets or containers below 200ml officially took effect on January 1, 2026, after the expiration of the transition period given to manufacturers to comply.
The agency warned manufacturers, distributors and other businesses that continued to violate the regulation that they could face appropriate regulatory sanctions.
The latest enforcement is coming alongside the Federal Government’s launch of the Nigeria Alcohol Policy and its Multisectoral Implementation Plan 2026–2030 in Abuja.
The policy, introduced by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, provides a national framework for tackling harmful alcohol use and strengthening the regulation of the production, distribution, marketing and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, represented at the event by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, said harmful alcohol consumption and the circulation of illicit and unregulated alcoholic products remained significant public health concerns.
Pate called for stronger cooperation among government agencies, the alcohol industry, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the policy.
He noted that reducing alcohol-related harm required coordinated action across different sectors because excessive and harmful alcohol use was linked to several health and social challenges.
The Federal Government said the implementation of the new policy, combined with stricter enforcement of existing regulations, would encourage responsible alcohol consumption, reduce alcohol-related harm and safeguard the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.
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