NAFDAC enforces sachet alcohol ban with fines, factory closures, product recalls

NIGERIA – NAFDAC has begun enforcing the ban on sachet alcohol, ordering manufacturers to recall and destroy affected products while warning violators of heavy fines, product registration suspension and possible facility closure as the crackdown expands nationwide.

Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye announced the enforcement on 25 August 2026 after the expiration of the grace period granted to manufacturers to comply with the Federal Government’s directive prohibiting the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in restricted packaging. 

The prohibition commenced on 1 January 2026 following concerns about the widespread sale of high-alcohol beverages in inexpensive, small-sized packaging and their easy access among minors and young adults. 

Enforcement Strategy and Manufacturer Obligations

Adeyeye instructed firms continuing to manufacture or supply the prohibited beverages to initiate nationwide retrieval efforts and provide NAFDAC with regular updates on their compliance, with all recovered products documented and destroyed under NAFDAC’s supervision at the companies’ expense. 

The crackdown will be implemented gradually, starting with producers and later expanding to markets, motor parks, retail outlets, drinking establishments and distribution points nationwide. 

Affected companies will be required to sign formal compliance agreements through the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria and the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

Adeyeye warned that production facilities found manufacturing the prohibited beverages would remain closed until NAFDAC inspectors confirm that the relevant production lines have been dismantled, rendered unusable or converted to approved operations. 

Companies that fail to comply could face prolonged closure, placement on NAFDAC’s regulatory watchlist, suspension or cancellation of product registrations, and substantial financial penalties. 

NAFDAC could also invoke provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act against companies engaged in the illegal manufacture of the prohibited beverages. 

Under a December 2018 memorandum of understanding, manufacturers were initially given five years to modify their facilities and phase out the restricted packaging, with the deadline subsequently extended to 31 December 2025 following further discussions. 

NAFDAC called on Nigerians to report the production, distribution or sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets or plastic containers below 200ml to the nearest NAFDAC office.

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