NAFDAC Sachet Alcohol Ban Could Fuel Black Market, CSO Warns

The Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative (IADI), a civil society organisation, has condemned the planned ban on alcohol in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml, describing it as misguided and unlikely to reduce alcohol abuse.

In a statement on Wednesday, IADI Executive Director Christopher Ofomhi said targeting packaging formats did not address the root causes of substance abuse.

He warned the ban could push consumers toward larger bottles, increase excessive drinking, threaten the livelihoods of small-scale traders, and fuel the circulation of unregulated and counterfeit alcohol, which posed greater public health risks.

Ofomhi also criticised NAFDAC for allegedly using the ban to divert attention from its ongoing regulatory failures, particularly in combating fake and substandard drugs.

“NAFDAC must face its responsibilities and ensure product safety and authenticity, not restrict lawful adult consumption,” he said.

The CSO urged NAFDAC to reconsider the policy, focus on tackling counterfeit products, strengthen regulation, and restore public trust; actions it says would more effectively protect Nigerians.