NAFDAC has ordered manufacturers to recall sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks in PET bottles below 200ml still circulating in Nigeria, escalating enforcement of a ban that took effect at the start of 2026.
Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye issued the order at a press briefing in Lagos on August 24, directing affected manufacturers to withdraw the products from distributors, warehouses, retailers and other points in the supply chain. Manufacturers must also sign compliance undertakings and submit periodic reports covering the recall and disposal of affected products. Production lines used for the prohibited pack sizes must be dismantled, permanently disabled or reconfigured under regulatory supervision.
The enforcement carries a direct threat to companies that continue producing or distributing the products. NAFDAC said non-compliant facilities could remain closed and face suspension or revocation of product registrations, while other sanctions provided under the law may also apply.
The latest action follows months of enforcement that began with manufacturers before expanding into markets, motor parks, bars, warehouses and distribution centres. NAFDAC said recent operations continued to find prohibited products in circulation, prompting the wider recall.
The policy dates back to 2018, when regulators and industry groups agreed to phase out sachet and small-volume alcoholic beverages. The original transition period was later extended, with December 31, 2025 becoming the final deadline before full enforcement began in January.
Drinkabl.media reported in March that NAFDAC’s enforcement specifically targeted sachet alcohol and PET-packaged spirits below 200ml, rather than larger standard bottles.
The regulatory pressure is now moving deeper into the economics of the spirits business. Drinkabl.media reported last week that Intercontinental Distillers and Nigeria Distilleries were already dealing with the cost of moving away from sub-200ml formats, including changes to production, packaging and distribution.
NAFDAC said the policy is aimed at restricting access to cheap, easily concealed alcohol among children and young people, rather than banning alcohol consumption generally. The agency has cited research showing substantial use of sachets and small PET bottles among underage consumers.
For manufacturers, the next stage is less about whether the policy will take effect and more about how completely the old pack formats can be removed from the market. NAFDAC’s recall order puts that responsibility across the supply chain, from production lines to the last retailer holding prohibited stock.
