The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is facing mounting criticism over its decision to enforce a nationwide ban on sachet and small bottled alcoholic drinks starting December 2025, a move described by civil society groups as arbitrary, undemocratic, and economically disastrous.

At a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the advocacy group Stand Up Nigeria strongly opposed what it termed the “NAFDAC sachet alcohol ban”, warning that it could cost the country millions of jobs and stifle indigenous businesses.

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Civil Society Condemns ‘High-Handed and Illegal’ Policy

Speaking at the briefing, Sunday Attah, the group’s convener, condemned NAFDAC’s approach, describing the planned ban as “high-handedness and illegality.”

“An arm of government that should represent the interests of Nigerians directed NAFDAC to enforce this illegal ban without hearing from affected stakeholders,” Attah said.

He alleged that NAFDAC’s action was based on an unilateral directive from the Senate, passed without proper consultation with the Federal Ministry of Health or the House of Representatives, which were still reviewing the National Alcohol Policy.

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Contradictions With National Alcohol Policy

The group argued that the NAFDAC sachet alcohol ban directly contradicts the resolutions of a stakeholders’ committee that validated the National Alcohol Policy in October 2025.

Those resolutions reportedly recommended a multi-sectoral strategy involving strict regulation, education, and enforcement — not a blanket ban.

“Stakeholders agreed on establishing licensed liquor outlets in every local government, improving quality control, and launching nationwide awareness campaigns on underage drinking,” the statement noted.

The group said the committee also urged NAFDAC, the FCCPC, and other agencies to prioritise monitoring and consumer education instead of implementing what it called a “reactionary and economically insensitive policy.”

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Massive Economic Consequences Feared

Stand Up Nigeria warned that enforcing the NAFDAC sachet alcohol ban would inflict heavy economic losses, projecting the destruction of over ₦1.9 trillion in investments and the loss of more than 500,000 direct jobs and 5 million indirect jobs across the value chain.

“The ban will collapse small and medium-sized enterprises, cut production capacity, and erase the economic progress recorded in recent quarters,” Attah said.

He further cited independent studies showing no verified evidence linking sachet alcohol to widespread underage drinking, dismissing NAFDAC’s justification as “unfounded and discriminatory.”

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Calls for Review and Accountability

The group urged the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, to approve and implement the validated Nigeria National Alcohol Policy, which it described as a fairer, evidence-based alternative.

It also called on the Senate to revisit the directive, engage in public consultations, and ensure that the rights and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians are not trampled by what it called an “elitist policy.”

“The Senate must act with fairness and uphold constitutional integrity,” the group said. “True governance requires dialogue, not decrees.”

Finally, the statement demanded that NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, withdraw the ban or resign, accusing her of running the agency “like a private business” and undermining the credibility of government regulatory institutions.

“Her actions threaten the success of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the survival of small businesses nationwide,” the group concluded.