The Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative (IADI), a civil society organization, has condemned the planned ban on alcohol sold in sachets and PET bottles below 200 millilitres, describing the policy as misguided and ineffective in addressing alcohol abuse.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, IADI Executive Director, Mr Christopher Ofomhi, said focusing on packaging sizes failed to tackle the root causes of substance abuse in the country.
He warned that the ban could have unintended consequences, including pushing consumers toward larger bottles, encouraging excessive drinking, threatening the livelihoods of small-scale traders, and increasing the circulation of unregulated and counterfeit alcohol, which poses greater public health risks.
Ofomhi also criticized the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), alleging that the ban was being used to divert attention from the agency’s regulatory challenges, particularly in curbing fake and substandard drugs.
“NAFDAC must face its responsibilities and ensure product safety and authenticity, rather than restricting lawful consumption by adults,” he said.
The organization urged NAFDAC to reconsider the policy and instead focus on tackling counterfeit products, strengthening regulatory enforcement, and restoring public confidence, noting that such measures would better protect public health and the interests of Nigerians.
