REPORT: How retailers secretly sell banned sachet alcohol in Ilorin

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

Despite the ban on sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks packaged in PET or glass bottles below 200ml, some retailers in Ilorin have resorted to secret sales.

Findings by Western Post showed that retailers in Maraba, Agaka, Post Office, Murtala Mohammed and Offa Garage are among those secretly selling the banned products.

Checks in the affected areas showed that retailers who still have the products keep them out of sight and bring them out only when customers specifically request them.

The findings indicate that sachet alcohol is now being sold more discreetly, with some retailers keeping the products away from public view rather than displaying them as they did before the ban.

Empty sachets of alcoholic beverages were also seen around some social gathering spots, motor parks and points of sale, suggesting that sachet alcohol continues to be consumed in the affected areas despite the restriction.

The findings suggest that the ban has pushed the sale of the products underground, with some retailers adopting discreet methods to avoid drawing the attention of enforcement officials.

The continued secret sale comes months after the December 31, 2025, deadline set by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control for the full enforcement of the ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET or glass bottles below 200ml.

According to NAFDAC, the ban is aimed at protecting young people, minors and other vulnerable groups from the harmful use of cheap, easily concealed and high-strength alcoholic drinks. Meanwhile, the continued secret sales in identified areas of Ilorin raise concerns about the effectiveness of enforcement at the retail level.