As the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) steps up enforcement of the December 2025 deadline for the phase-out of sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks packaged in PET bottles below 200ml, many traders say they are already facing significant financial setbacks.
The nationwide operation, introduced to reduce underage drinking and substance abuse, has led to the confiscation of sachet alcohol and small-sized PET alcoholic beverages in several parts of the country, disrupting the activities of retailers and distributors.
In Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo State, a petty trader, Iya Rashida, said the crackdown has worsened the economic difficulties facing her household. She explained that since the death of her husband six years ago, the business has been her only source of income for feeding her three children, paying school fees and meeting other family needs.
Another trader, Mrs Janet Ademola, appealed to the Federal Government and NAFDAC to consider the situation of small-scale traders whose businesses have been affected by the enforcement. She said many families now depend entirely on the trade and urged the authorities to find a solution that protects children without destroying legitimate livelihoods.
A distributor identified as Mummy Afeez said a large quantity of her sachet and small PET alcoholic products had been seized during the operation. According to her, the losses have placed serious pressure on her family, which includes six children, although she expressed willingness to continue operating within the law if a workable alternative is provided.
Industry stakeholders warn that the impact of the enforcement may extend beyond retailers. They say manufacturers, transporters, wholesalers and other workers involved in the alcohol distribution chain could also be affected as sales decline.
Some observers have further cautioned that a strict clampdown could encourage the emergence of a black market for unregulated alcoholic products, as consumers seeking cheaper small-volume drinks may turn to illicit alternatives that are outside regulatory control.
While the traders acknowledged the need to protect young Nigerians from alcohol abuse, they argued that packaging restrictions alone may not be sufficient. They called for stronger age-verification measures, responsible retail practices, consumer education and targeted action against vendors who sell alcoholic products to minors.
