General News
NAFDAC ENFORCES SENATE BACKED BAN ON ALCOHOL IN SACHETS, SMALL BOTTLES
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has resumed enforcement of the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small-volume PET or glass bottles below 200 millilitres, following a recent directive by the Nigerian Senate.
NAFDAC clarified that no alcohol-producing company has been shut down, stressing that the enforcement strictly targets specific packaging formats considered harmful to public health.
This was confirmed in statement signed by Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, and issued in Abuja on Thursday.
The enforcement action, ordered by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and supported by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is in line with NAFDAC’s statutory mandate to safeguard public health, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, adolescents and young adults.
According to the agency, the widespread availability of high-alcohol-content drinks in sachets and small containers has made them cheap, easily accessible and easy to conceal, contributing to alcohol misuse and addiction among minors and some commercial drivers.
NAFDAC linked the trend to rising cases of domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts and other social vices in many communities.NAFDAC noted that warning labels such as “Not for children” on sachets and small containers have proven ineffective, given societal realities.
Many parents, the agency said, are unaware that their children consume alcohol because sachets are easily concealed and inexpensive.
The agency recalled that in December 2018, it, alongside the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) to phase out sachet and small-volume alcohol packaging by January 31, 2024.
The moratorium was later extended to December 2025 to allow manufacturers exhaust existing stock and reconfigure their production lines.
NAFDAC said the renewed enforcement aligns with both the MoU and Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Assembly Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol (WHA63.13, 2010), which aims to protect vulnerable groups, including children and youths.
The agency explained that alcohol packaged in larger sizes remains approved, noting that smaller packs make it easier for underage users to hide consumption from parents and teachers.
It cited reports from schools indicating that students conceal sachets, including a recent account where a student reportedly claimed he could not sit for an examination without first consuming sachet alcohol.
Reiterating its position, NAFDAC stated that it has not closed any alcohol-producing company, but has only banned alcohol packaged in sachets and containers below 200 millilitres.
Speaking on the policy, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, said the ban is protective rather than punitive.“This ban is not punitive; it is protective. It is aimed at safeguarding the health and future of our children and youth by not allowing alcohol in small pack sizes.
The decision is rooted in scientific evidence and public health considerations. We cannot continue to sacrifice the wellbeing of Nigerians for economic gain. The health of a nation is its true wealth,” she said.
NAFDAC further clarified that only two categories of alcoholic beverage packaging are affected: spirit drinks packaged in sachets and small-volume PET or glass bottles below 200 millilitres.
The agency called on manufacturers, distributors and retailers to fully comply with the phase-out deadline, stressing that no further extensions will be granted beyond December 2025.
The agency also said it would continue to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the FCCPC and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to roll out nationwide sensitisation campaigns on the health and social dangers of alcohol misuse.
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that only safe, wholesome and properly regulated products are available to Nigerians.
The monarch of Ozoro Kingdom in Delta State has denied any prior knowledge of a controversial festival linked to the alleged abuse of women and girls, as outrage continues to trail the incident across Nigeria.
The traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo, made the clarification when a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) visited his palace following reports of harassment during the ‘Alue-Do’ festival.
According to the monarch, he had never encountered such practices in his over two decades on the throne. He stated that he had “never heard that a festival is celebrated with girls being harassed or molested” in the community, distancing the palace from the widely condemned incident.
The controversy stems from viral videos showing women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by youths during the cultural event held in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area. The disturbing footage sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over gender-based violence.
During the palace visit, the NANS delegation; alongside student leaders from Southern Delta University, confirmed that some of the victims were students who had since received medical attention. While reports indicated no confirmed cases of rape, the students described the incidents as serious molestation and a violation of human dignity.
NANS condemned the attacks, describing them as a gross violation of human rights and a threat to the safety of students in the community. The association called on security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has also condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric” and unacceptable, stressing that no cultural practice should justify violence against women. Authorities have launched investigations, with police confirming the arrest of suspects linked to the incident.
Civil society organisations, including ActionAid Nigeria, have also demanded immediate prosecution of those responsible, insisting that cultural traditions must not be used to excuse abuse or undermine the rights and dignity of women and girls.
The incident has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women and for a review of traditional practices that may expose individuals to harm.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that one of its officials has been taken into custody following the death of a corps member, Miss Victoria Ariyo, in Abeokuta South.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the NYSC described the incident as “tragic and deeply disturbing,” noting that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, disclosed that the staff member allegedly linked to the incident is currently in custody while relevant authorities continue their probe.
According to the scheme, it is working closely with security agencies to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation without interference.
“The management of the NYSC is deeply saddened by the loss of a corps member in Abeokuta, Ogun State, under circumstances currently being investigated,” the statement read.
The organisation extended condolences to the family of the deceased, praying for strength and comfort during the difficult period.
It also reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, stressing that the scheme maintains strict standards for both staff and corps members.
“We assure the public that we are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities to ensure the truth is established and justice is served without fear or favour,” the statement added.
The NYSC further urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow due process to take its course, emphasising that the welfare, safety, and dignity of corps members remain a top priority.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects in connection with the sexual assault of women in Ozoro, bringing the total number of persons in custody to 15.
Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, noting that the arrests followed a detailed review of video evidence and intelligence by operatives.
According to him, the suspects include Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others.
The Command stated that preliminary investigations, under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, revealed that the acts were carried out by criminal elements who took advantage of the situation to perpetrate sexual violence.
Police authorities emphasised that the actions were in no way reflective of any legitimate cultural practice.
“The Command condemns these acts in totality and remains committed to ensuring that all perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted,” the statement added, while urging victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage following the circulation of a viral video showing young women being sexually harassed during a local festival in the community.
The footage was linked to the Alue-Do Festival held in Ozoro, a cultural event associated with traditional rites.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Bar Association described the incident as a “national disgrace,” calling for swift justice for the victims.
Similarly, the Delta State Government condemned the act, with the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
However, the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom refuted claims circulating online, stating that the incident was a misapplication of certain symbolic aspects of the Alue-Do Festival by some youths.
Earlier, the police had announced the arrest of a community head and four other suspects in connection with the case, as investigations continue.