Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has condemned 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.
In a statement issued 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 rooted in harm-reduction and child protection principles.
The policy had initially set January 2024 as the deadline to phase out sachet alcohol. However, the implementation was later extended to December 2025 to allow manufacturers adjust their operations before the recent reversal.
Ezeh noted that alcohol misuse accounts for about 29 per cent of preventable deaths in Nigeria and plays a significant role in road traffic accidents across the country. He added that in 2016 alone, more than 60,000 fatalities were linked to alcohol-related causes, describing the situation as a public health emergency.
According to him, the affordability and easy concealment of sachet alcohol make it particularly attractive to underage consumers, with many minors opting for the inexpensive products.
“The ban on sachet alcohol should not be treated lightly. It signifies that Nigeria prioritises the health of its children over short-term commercial interests,” Ezeh said.
The ACPN chairman criticised industry stakeholders opposing the ban, accusing them of placing economic gains above 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 further argued that the regulatory reversal reflects broader enforcement challenges facing authorities, including ongoing difficulties in tackling counterfeit medicines, which he said undermine public trust in regulatory institutions.
He called on the Federal Government to reconsider its position and strengthen measures aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm in the country.