Pharmacists Urge Total Ban On Sachet Alcohol
Pharmacists in Nigeria have called on the Federal Government to impose a complete ban on sachet and small-volume alcoholic beverages, warning that the products pose a serious threat to public health.
The appeal was made by the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, which said stronger action was needed to curb alcohol abuse, particularly among young people and vulnerable groups.
In a statement issued on Monday, the association’s national chairman, Ambrose Ezeh, criticised reports that the Federal Government of Nigeria was considering reversing restrictions on the production and sale of alcohol packaged in sachets and containers smaller than 200ml.
Ezeh said the original directive by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control was based on clear evidence aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm and protecting children.
He warned that lifting the restrictions would undermine years of public health advocacy and regulation, stressing that sachet alcohol should not be viewed as a minor regulatory issue.
“The prohibition of sachet alcohol should not be treated as a symbolic regulatory exercise,” Ezeh said, adding that continued access to cheap, highly concentrated alcohol increases the risk of misuse and long-term health consequences.
The Federal Government has not yet issued an official response to the pharmacists’ appeal.
