NAFDAC Orders Recall of Small-Volume Alcoholic Drinks as Nigeria Tightens 200ml Ban

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has directed manufacturers of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and containers below 200ml to recall the affected products from the market.

The agency instructed the manufacturers to conduct a comprehensive inventory of the products involved and arrange for their destruction under NAFDAC’s supervision. The companies are also expected to bear all costs associated with the recall and destruction exercise.

NAFDAC said the enforcement action is aimed at removing prohibited small-volume alcoholic beverages from circulation and reducing their accessibility, particularly among young people.

The ban on the production, importation, distribution and sale of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and containers below 200ml officially took effect on January 1, 2026.

The effective date followed the expiration of the transition period previously granted to manufacturers to adjust their operations and comply with the regulation.

NAFDAC warned manufacturers, distributors and other businesses that continue to produce, supply or sell the prohibited products that they could face regulatory sanctions.

The latest enforcement comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to address alcohol-related harm through broader policy and regulatory measures.

The government recently launched the Nigeria Alcohol Policy and its Multisectoral Implementation Plan 2026–2030 in Abuja.

According to the Federal Government, the new policy, combined with stronger enforcement of existing alcohol regulations, is intended to encourage responsible alcohol consumption, reduce alcohol-related harm and safeguard the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.

The recall of sachet and other small-volume alcoholic beverages therefore forms part of wider measures to strengthen alcohol control and limit access to products considered particularly accessible to young people.