The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has urged the Federal Government to impose a complete ban on sachet alcohol to protect public health, particularly among young people.
In a statement released on Monday, February 17, 2026, ACPN National Chairman Pharmacist Ambrose Ezeh strongly criticized the government's reported decision to reverse an earlier ban by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The original NAFDAC directive prohibited the production and retail sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small containers under 200ml, based on evidence-driven harm reduction strategies and efforts to shield children from easy access to alcohol.
Ezeh described the prohibition as far more than a symbolic measure, arguing that sachet packaging makes alcohol highly affordable, portable, and easy to conceal factors that facilitate underage drinking and contribute to broader alcohol-related harms.
He emphasized that the policy reversal represents a serious setback for public health priorities, urging authorities to prioritize child protection and evidence-based regulation over short-term commercial considerations.
The call comes amid ongoing debates in Nigeria over sachet alcohol, which has long been linked to concerns about excessive consumption, addiction, accidents, and youth exposure due to its low cost and widespread availability in small, discreet packs.
ACPN reiterated its appeal for the government to uphold and strengthen the full ban rather than dilute it.
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