Community pharmacists across Nigeria have urged the Federal Government to impose a total ban on sachet alcohol, warning that small-volume alcoholic drinks pose serious public health risks.
The call came from the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), which said protecting young Nigerians must remain a national priority.
The group reacted to reports that the government may reverse an earlier restriction on the production and retail sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and containers below 200 milliliters.
In a statement released Monday, ACPN National Chairman, Pharmacist Ambrose Ezeh, said the move would weaken efforts to curb alcohol abuse.
He stated, “The prohibition of sachet alcohol should not be treated as a symbolic regulatory exercise.”
Ezeh argued that the original directive issued by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) was based on evidence and public health data.
NAFDAC had earlier announced plans to phase out sachet alcohol as part of broader harm-reduction measures. The policy targeted small and cheap alcoholic drinks that are widely accessible to minors.
Public health advocates have long warned that low-cost alcohol increases youth consumption. The World Health Organization has repeatedly linked harmful alcohol use to liver disease, road accidents, violence, and mental health disorders.
Nigeria faces rising concerns over substance abuse among young people. Sachet alcohol, often sold for very low prices, is commonly displayed in open markets and neighborhood shops.
Pharmacists say this easy access undermines national efforts to promote responsible drinking.
ACPN Warns of Public Health Risks
Ezeh said that the original restriction was grounded in child-protection objectives.
He added that the small packaging makes alcohol more affordable and easier to conceal. That, he warned, exposes teenagers to early addiction.
According to him, reversing the restriction would send the wrong message.
He maintained that regulatory agencies must prioritize health outcomes over commercial interests.
The ACPN chairman insisted that public safety should outweigh economic arguments.
He noted that community pharmacists witness firsthand the consequences of alcohol misuse, including dependency and health complications.
Sachet alcohol has faced criticism for years due to its portability and low cost.
Many health experts argue that reducing its availability could lower underage drinking rates.
The Federal Government has not issued an official confirmation of a policy reversal.
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