The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarms over the dangers of underage drinking in Nigeria, particularly from alcoholic beverages sold in sachets and small PET bottles.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, highlighted that alcohol consumption among minors is a growing public health concern. She noted that easy access to alcohol contributes to higher rates of violence, accidents, and risky behaviors among young people, including suicides, murders, and traffic incidents.
Prof. Adeyeye revealed findings showing that 54.3% of minors obtain alcohol on their own, while nearly half (49.9%) acquire it from stores selling sachets and PET bottles. Other sources include liquor stores (15.4%), restaurants (12.6%), and supermarkets (7.9%). Friends, family, and social events also account for substantial sources of alcohol for minors.
Sachet and PET-bottle alcohol purchases are most prevalent in Rivers (68% and 64.5%), Lagos (52.3% and 47.7%), and Kaduna (38.6% and 28.4%). The trend is slightly higher among males (51.4% vs. 41.5% for females) and more common in rural areas (50.1%) than urban centers (45.3%).
Highlighting the health risks, Prof. Adeyeye explained that underage drinking can damage the brain’s hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, impairing memory, decision-making, and impulse control. It also increases risks of liver and kidney damage, hormone disruption, high blood pressure, cancer, depression, anxiety, and alcohol dependence—especially for youths who start drinking before age 15.
Alcohol use among minors is also linked to unprotected sex, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, lower academic performance, and absenteeism.
In response, NAFDAC confirmed that the Senate has directed the agency not to grant further extensions to the current moratorium, enforcing a ban on sachet alcohol and drinks in small PET bottles under 200 ml. The agency also urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to support enforcement and release the National Alcohol Policy.
“The Senate further encouraged the National Orientation Agency and NAFDAC to collaborate on nationwide awareness campaigns on the dangers of drinking alcohol in sachets and small bottles,” Prof. Adeyeye said.
Experts say banning small pack sizes could be a critical step in reducing underage alcohol consumption across Nigeria.
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