ACPN condemns FG’s reversal of sachet alcohol ban
.Calls it threat to public health
By BASIRAT SHITTU
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has criticized the Federal Government’s decision to reverse the ban on producing and selling alcoholic beverages in sachets and small containers (below 200ml). The ACPN views this reversal as a significant setback for public health.
National Chairman Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh highlighted that the original directive from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) was based on harm-reduction and child protection principles. This policy aimed to phase out sachet alcohol by January 2024, later extended to December 2025, to allow manufacturers to adjust their operations.
Ezeh pointed out that alcohol misuse leads to about 29% of preventable deaths in Nigeria and significantly contributes to road traffic accidents. In 2016, over 60,000 fatalities were linked to alcohol-related causes, marking the issue as a public health emergency.
He noted that the affordability and easy concealment of sachet alcohol enable underage drinking, as many minors prefer these inexpensive products. Ezeh criticized industry proponents who argue against the ban by prioritizing economic gains over public health and child welfare.
He stated, “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.”
He warned that relying on warning labels and age restrictions without strong enforcement may only yield minimal impact on reducing underage consumption.
Moreover, Ezeh noted that this regulatory reversal reflects broader enforcement challenges, including difficulties in addressing counterfeit medicines, which ultimately undermine public trust in regulatory bodies.
