The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has said the enforcement of the nationwide ban on sachet and small-volume alcoholic drinks is the most effective measure to address rising cases of underage drinking in the country.

Adeyeye spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at a news conference marking the commencement of enforcement of the ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and bottles below 200ml.

She said restricting access to small and easily concealable alcohol packs would significantly reduce consumption among minors, noting that a 2021 survey conducted across the six geopolitical zones revealed disturbing statistics.

According to her, about 50 per cent of children consume alcohol, while 54.3 per cent of minors obtain it by themselves.

The findings also showed that nearly half patronised retailers selling sachets and PET bottles due to ease of access and concealment.

She added that children who begin drinking before the age of 15 are 41 per cent more likely to become alcohol dependent and may later progress to hard drugs.

Adeyeye disclosed that the enforcement followed a Senate resolution directing the agency not to grant further extension on the moratorium earlier given to industry operators.

She explained that the enforcement would be carried out in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

Also speaking, NOA Director-General, Lanre Onilu, described the ban as a deliberate public health intervention aimed at curbing underage access to cheap, high-concentration alcohol.

The FCCPC spokesperson, Ondaje Ijagwu, warned that offenders would be sanctioned in line with extant laws.

[NAN]