NOA launches nationwide campaign to enforce ban on sachet alcohol
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has officially launched a joint nationwide campaign to enforce the Federal Government’s ban on sachet alcoholic drinks and alcoholic beverages packaged in PET or glass bottles smaller than 200 millilitres. The flag-off took place on Tuesday at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), with NOA taking the lead on public sensitisation and behavioural change.
In a statement, NOA Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu described the campaign as a decisive step to safeguard Nigerians’ health and safety, particularly young people, who are most vulnerable to cheap and easily accessible alcohol. He noted that the ban, effective from January 1, 2026, followed eight years of consultations and stakeholder engagement.
Issa-Onilu also highlighted the crucial role of the media in advancing the campaign, saying, “It is not just NAFDAC, FCCPC and NOA. It is NAFDAC, FCCPC, NOA — and the Media. You listen, you report, and you shape public understanding.” He emphasised that violations of the ban are a threat to public wellbeing rather than a challenge to government authority.
NAFDAC Director-General Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye cited a 2021 national survey showing that over 54 percent of minors purchase alcohol themselves, with nearly half obtaining it through sachets and small PET bottles. The study further revealed widespread daily and weekly consumption among underage persons.
The FCCPC reaffirmed its commitment to strict enforcement, stressing that consumer protection remains a national priority.
To drive grassroots awareness, NOA will mobilise its 818 offices across 774 local government areas. Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers will engage youth groups, market associations, schools, transport unions, faith-based institutions, and community leaders through town hall meetings, market outreaches, multilingual advocacy, media campaigns, and digital platforms, including the NOA CLHEEAN App for reporting violations.
The agency urged parents, guardians, community leaders, retailers, distributors, and all Nigerians to support the ban and prioritise the wellbeing of young people. Through awareness, compliance, and collective vigilance, NOA, in partnership with NAFDAC and FCCPC, aims to build a healthier, safer, and more responsible nation.
