The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) has urged the National Assembly (NASS) to speed up the National Alcohol Control Policy Bill to strengthen NAFDAC’s nationwide enforcement against alcohol sold in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.
NAFDAC has started enforcing the ban across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The agency targets markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars and other distribution channels. Its teams are identifying, seizing and removing the affected products from circulation.
The House of Representatives passed the Bill for a second reading on May 7, 2026. The proposed law seeks to control alcohol production, marketing and consumption. It aims to protect minors from alcohol-related harm.
RDI said the National Assembly must support NAFDAC’s ongoing work. The group urged lawmakers to pass the Bill before the end of the 10th National Assembly to protect adolescents and other vulnerable Nigerians from alcohol harm.
RDI seeks stronger alcohol controls
However, RDI Executive Director Philip Jakpor praised NAFDAC for moving from promises to action.
“By matching words with action, NAFDAC has demonstrated its commitment to ridding the public space of harmful alcohol products and this would in turn improve public health outcomes especially among young people that the alcohol industry targets with their products. The National Assembly must no longer delay in playing its role.”
Jakpor urged the Federal Government to fully implement the World Health Organization’s SAFER technical package. He said the package includes banning alcohol advertising, sponsorship and promotion.
The SAFER initiative recommends five key measures. They include tighter controls on alcohol availability, stronger drink-driving enforcement, easier access to screening and treatment, wider advertising restrictions and higher alcohol prices through excise taxes and pricing policies.
Bill will improve public health
Meanwhile, Jakpor said sustained NAFDAC enforcement would encourage many households to spend less on alcohol and more on essential needs such as nutrition and child education.
He urged the National Assembly to act without further delay.
“The ball is now in the court of the NASS. It must escalate work on the Bill so that the health and economic benefits of reducing underage drinking, youth addiction, and rising health burdens associated with alcohol would be met in a short time.”
External links
World Health Organization – SAFER alcohol control initiative: https://www.who.int/initiatives/SAFER
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC): https://nafdac.gov.ng/
National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: https://nass.gov.ng/
