The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has reaffirmed its support for the sachet alcohol ban introduced by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), warning that alcohol misuse has been linked to more than 60,000 deaths nationwide.
Also, the group criticized the federal government’s decision to reverse restrictions on the production and retail sale of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and containers smaller than 200ml.
ACPN National Chairman, Ambrose Ezeh, described the government’s policy shift as a significant setback for public health efforts.
In a statement released to journalists, Ezeh referenced 2016 data showing that over 60,000 deaths in Nigeria were tied to alcohol-related causes, including liver disease, alcohol-induced cancers, and fatal road accidents.
He argued that the statistics underscore the urgency of treating alcohol misuse as a national public health emergency requiring firm regulatory action.
Ezeh recalled that in December 2018, NAFDAC working with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), signed a five-year memorandum of understanding with alcohol manufacturers.
The agreement aimed to phase out sachet and small-volume alcohol products by January 31, 2024.
Read Also:
- NAFDAC warns of fake Kiss Condoms in circulation
- NAFDAC incinerates N10.19bn worth of counterfeit products in Kano
- NAFDAC destroys N5 Billion worth of substandard goods in Nasarawa
The deadline was later extended to December 2025 to give manufacturers time to deplete existing stock, adjust supply chains, and modify production processes.
According to Ezeh, the transition plan was gradual and consultative, accommodating industry stakeholders while prioritizing public health.
The ACPN maintains that the rationale behind the ban remains clear and evidence-based, citing data suggesting that alcohol misuse contributes to nearly 29 percent of preventable deaths in Nigeria and close to half of all road traffic accidents.
He emphasized that the widespread availability of cheap, small-quantity alcohol products lowers access barriers, making it easier for minors and vulnerable populations to purchase and conceal them.
“Sachet alcohol, in particular, makes procurement easier for minors because they are cheap, portable, and easily hidden,” he stated, adding that studies show many underage consumers prefer sachets and sub-200ml bottles.
Ezeh expressed concern over intensified lobbying efforts by some industry players seeking to reframe the debate around affordability and moderate consumption.
While acknowledging economic considerations, he warned that prioritizing commercial interests over public health and child welfare could have long-term consequences.
He stressed that banning sachet alcohol is not symbolic but a decisive move to protect young people and reduce alcohol-related harm.
The ACPN chairman also cautioned against relying solely on warning labels and age restrictions without stronger supply-side controls, arguing that enforcement gaps could undermine such measures.
