Uncertainty on the streets over Nigeria's sachet alcohol ban

"NAFDAC announced the ban in a November 11, 2025, press release, reaffirming its plan to enforce a December 2025 phase-out of alcohol packaged in sachets and in plastic bottles of less than 200ml (0.05 gallons). Nigeria is estimated to generate approximately 2.5 million tonnes of plastic annually, and recent studies rank it second globally behind only India for plastic pollution."

"It's a hot early afternoon on a tree-lined street in FESTAC town, a popular residential estate in Lagos. People take shelter in the shade beside a local restaurant. Cash vendors work the curb near a major hotel, and at a roadside kiosk, two Seaman's Aromatic Schnapps sachets go for 200 Naira ($0.12, 0.11). Philip, who buys sachets "almost every day," says he prefers to "take it small, small" rather than buy a large bottle."

"But NAFDAC's statement conflicts with a December 15, 2025, directive issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), ordering an immediate suspension of all enforcement actionspending consultations and a final directive. The statement also added that any action taken without OSGF clearance "should be disregarded." At the time of publication, there was no public OSGF notice lifting that suspension, leaving manufacturers, retailers, and buyers guessing which order to obey."

People in FESTAC town buy Seaman's Aromatic Schnapps sachets for 200 Naira, and some prefer sachets for volume control rather than price. Philip buys sachets almost every day, says he prefers to "take it small, small," and keeps a minimum and maximum. NAFDAC announced a November 11, 2025 ban and planned a December 2025 phase-out of alcohol in sachets and plastic bottles under 200ml. Nigeria generates about 2.5 million tonnes of plastic annually and ranks second globally for plastic pollution. Conflicting directives between NAFDAC and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation suspended enforcement, and no public OSGF notice has lifted that suspension, leaving manufacturers, retailers, and buyers uncertain which order to obey.

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