LAGOS/Nigeria: Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV Nigeria) has commended the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for the decisive enforcement of its ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and in PET bottles below 200 millilitres, describing the move as a major boost for public health and environmental protection in Nigeria.
In a statement, the organisation said the renewed enforcement represents a bold and professional regulatory action that places the wellbeing of Nigerians and the integrity of the environment above narrow economic interests, and marks a critical turning point in the country’s environmental health governance.
SRADeV recalled that although NAFDAC had announced plans in previous years to restrict or ban sachet and sub-200ml packaged alcoholic drinks, enforcement timelines were repeatedly extended following industry resistance and prolonged stakeholder consultations.
According to the group, the current firm implementation signals a clear policy shift and affirms that public health and environmental wellbeing must take precedence over commercial pressures.
It said the action reflects regulatory resolve, evidence-based governance and strong leadership under the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye.
Findings from SRADeV Nigeria’s Plastics Brand Audit conducted across Lagos State and several other states between 2019 and 2024 showed that PET bottles remain the leading plastic pollutant in the country, while sachet-packaged products, including alcoholic drinks, consistently ranked as the second major source of plastic pollution.
The organisation noted that the materials are largely single-use, difficult to recover and recycle, and contribute significantly to clogged drainages, flooding and urban environmental degradation, especially in informal consumption markets where improper disposal is widespread.
“Continuous lobbying by industry players and plastics manufacturers must not override the public health and environmental consequences of single-use plastics. NAFDAC’s bold and responsible decision deserves national commendation as it sends a clear message that the health of Nigerians and the integrity of our environment must always come first,” said the Executive Director of SRADeV Nigeria, Dr. Leslie Adogame.
The group also drew attention to the National Plastic Waste Management Policy of 2020 and the forthcoming NESREA plastic waste regulation, which identify single-use plastics such as sachets, straws, lightweight bags and bottles for phased reduction or elimination to promote environmental sustainability.
Although NESREA’s regulations are yet to be officially gazetted due largely to industry influence, SRADeV said the agency’s ongoing regulatory focus aligns with NAFDAC’s action and underscores the need for synergy among regulatory institutions.
According to the organisation, the policy alignment highlights the cross-cutting nature of the plastic crisis, linking public health, environmental protection, waste management and social wellbeing.
SRADeV further noted that the enforcement supports the growing global movement to eliminate single-use plastics, a position already adopted by many African countries, as plastic pollution continues to fuel marine degradation, biodiversity loss, climate impacts and chemical exposure risks.
“This moment reinforces the urgent need to move away from an unsustainable throwaway culture. The reuse era is no longer optional; it is a practical, climate-smart and environmentally responsible lifestyle choice,” said the organisation’s Communications and Outreach Officer, Manu Hannatu Ahmadu.
The group said it stands firmly with NAFDAC and called for sustained enforcement, public awareness campaigns and complementary policies by relevant government agencies to promote reuse systems, waste reduction and environmentally sound alternatives.
It stressed that protecting public health and safeguarding the environment must remain non-negotiable national priorities.
