The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has raised fresh concerns over the growing rate of underage drinking, pointing to alcoholic beverages sold in sachets and small PET bottles as a major source of access for minors.
The agency warned that alcohol use among teenagers fuels violence and injuries.
It stressed that alcohol remains a strong factor in youth suicides, murders, and road crashes.
NAFDAC also linked alcohol abuse to kidnappings, banditry, terrorism, and other crimes reported across the country.
It maintained that there is no basis to lift the existing ban on the production, distribution, and consumption of sachet alcohol and small PET bottle packs.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the 3rd of March, 2026, the Director-General, Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, described alcohol as one of the most widely used substances among young Nigerians.
She said it is fast becoming a serious public health challenge.
According to her, the ease with which alcohol can be bought has driven more teenagers into drinking.
Citing research findings, she disclosed that 54.3 per cent of minors and underage individuals source alcohol by themselves.
About 49.9 per cent purchase drinks from outlets that sell sachet and PET bottle alcohol.
She added that 15.4 per cent obtain alcohol from liquor stores, 12.6 per cent from restaurants, and 7.9 per cent from supermarkets.
The findings further revealed that 49.9 per cent get alcohol from friends and family, while 45.9 per cent access it at parties and other social gatherings.
Among underage buyers, 47.2 per cent of minors and 48.8 per cent of underage persons buy sachet drinks.
Another 41.2 per cent of minors and 47.2 per cent of underage individuals buy alcohol in plastic bottles.
About 27.6 per cent of underage individuals purchase drinks in glass bottles.
She noted that purchases of sachet and PET bottle alcohol were highest in Rivers State at 68.0 per cent and 64.5 per cent.
In Lagos State, the figures stood at 52.3 per cent and 47.7 per cent.
Kaduna State recorded 38.6 per cent and 28.4 per cent.
“The percentage of drinks bought in sachets is higher among males (51.4%) than females (41.5%), and more common in rural areas (50.1%) than in urban areas (45.3%),” she added.
Prof. Adeyeye reiterated that most young people and underage individuals, 54.3 per cent, purchase alcohol personally.
Another 49.9 per cent receive it from friends or family, 45.9 per cent at social events, while 21.7 per cent take it from their parents’ homes.
She emphasized: “Of the minors and underage individuals who get alcohol for themselves, 47.2% of minors and 48.8% of underage people get it in sachets, 41.2% of minors and 47.2% of underage people get it in PET bottles, and 27.6% of underage people get it in glass bottles.”
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On health risks, she explained that “drinking alcohol before the age of 21 can harm health and may damage parts of the brain, such as the hippocampus, responsible for memory, and the prefrontal cortex which helps with thinking and impulse control.
“This can lead to long-term problems with learning, memory, and decision-making. Early drinking can also damage the liver and kidneys, cause high blood pressure, disrupt hormone levels and growth, and increase the risk of cancer later in life. It also raises the likelihood of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Youth who start drinking before age 15 are 41% more likely to develop alcohol dependence.
“Alcohol contributes significantly to youth suicides, violent deaths, and road accidents. It is also closely associated with unprotected sex, leading to unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Drinking frequently affects academic performance, causing lower grades, absenteeism, and impaired cognitive function.”
NAFDAC disclosed that the Senate has directed it to avoid granting any fresh extensions to the current moratorium and to enforce the ban on sachet alcohol and alcohol in PET bottles below 200ml.
The agency also called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to back enforcement measures.
“They also urge the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to release the National Alcohol Policy, which includes a ban on alcohol in sachets and small-volume (200 ml) packaging,” the DG added.
“The Senate further urged the National Orientation Agency and NAFDAC to work together to increase nationwide awareness about the dangers of drinking alcohol from sachets and small bottles. Banning small pack sizes, like sachets and bottles under 200 ml, could help reduce underage drinking.”