More than half of Nigeria’s underaged children are consuming alcohol, according to a new nationwide survey that has sparked urgent calls for action from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The study revealed that 54.3% of minors purchase alcohol themselves, often in sachets and small PET bottles that are cheap, accessible, and easy to hide.
“Access to alcohol by children can be limited if pack sizes that can be easily concealed are not available,” said NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye.
“Ban on small pack sizes (sachet and less than 200 ml bottles) can reduce the menace of underage drinking.”
The survey was conducted between June and August 2021 across six states representing Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
It was sponsored by the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) in collaboration with NAFDAC.
A total of 1,788 respondents participated in the quantitative survey, while 161 individuals contributed through focus group discussions and interviews.
The findings showed that nearly half of minors (49.9%) sourced alcohol from friends or relatives, while 45.9% obtained it at social gatherings.
Rivers, Lagos, and Kaduna recorded the highest rates of minors procuring alcohol in sachets and PET bottles.
Consumption Patterns
Prof. Adeyeye described the consumption trends as alarming. 63.2% of minors and 54% of underaged children reported occasional drinking, while a significant number admitted to daily or weekly intake.
The prevalence of occasional drinking among minors was found to be higher than among adults, underscoring the scale of the challenge.
“Consumption of alcohol should raise alarm for parents, teachers, religious leaders and the community at large,” Adeyeye warned.
NAFDAC stressed that restricting access to small pack sizes could be a critical step in curbing underage drinking.
The agency pledged to intensify efforts to protect public health by working with parents, teachers, religious leaders, and stakeholders nationwide.
The survey highlighted the urgent need for policy intervention, community vigilance, and stricter regulation to combat the growing scourge of underage alcohol abuse.
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