The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has criticized the Federal Government’s decision to reverse the ban on the production and sale of sachet alcohol, describing the move as a setback for public health and child protection efforts to protect children.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Ambrose Ezeh, the association said the initial directive by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) was based on harm-reduction and child protection principles.
The policy had earlier fixed January 2024 as the deadline to phase out sachet alcohol, but the implementation was later extended to December 2025 to give manufacturers time to adjust their operations before the recent reversal.
Ezeh said alcohol misuse accounts for about 29 per cent of preventable deaths in Nigeria and contributes significantly to road traffic accidents nationwide. He added that in 2016 alone, over 60,000 fatalities were linked to alcohol-related causes, describing the trend as a public health emergency.
He further stated that the affordability and easy concealment of sachet alcohol make it particularly attractive to underage consumers, noting that many minors opt for the inexpensive products.
“The ban on sachet alcohol should not be treated lightly. It signifies that Nigeria prioritizes the health of its children over short-term commercial interests,” Ezeh said.
The ACPN chairman faulted industry stakeholders opposing the ban, accusing them of prioritizing economic gains over public health and child welfare. He warned that reliance on warning labels and age restrictions, without strict enforcement, would have minimal impact on curbing underage drinking.
Ezeh also argued that the regulatory reversal highlights broader enforcement challenges facing authorities, including ongoing difficulties in tackling counterfeit medicines, which he said undermine public trust in regulatory institutions.
He urged the Federal Government to review its position and reinforce measures targeted at reducing alcohol-related harm across the country.
