Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development SRADeV Nigeria has commended the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control NAFDAC for the firm enforcement of the ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and in polyethylene terephthalate PET bottles below 200 millilitres.
The organisation described the enforcement as a bold and professional regulatory action that prioritises public health and environmental protection above narrow economic interests noting that it marks a major turning point in environmental health sustenance in Nigeria.
SRADeV observed that although NAFDAC had in previous years announced plans to ban or restrict sachet and small sized PET alcoholic drinks, enforcement timelines were repeatedly extended due to industry resistance and prolonged stakeholder engagements. According to the group the renewed and decisive enforcement signals a critical policy shift that affirms the primacy of public health and environmental wellbeing over commercial considerations.
In a statement endorsed by its Executive Director Dr Leslie Adogame SRADeV noted that the decision reflects strong regulatory resolve, evidence based governance and a clear statement of intent by NAFDAC under the leadership of its Director General Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye.
Findings from SRADeV Nigeria’s Plastics Brand Audit conducted across Lagos State and several other states between 2019 and 2024 indicate that PET bottles remain the number one plastic pollutant in Nigeria while sachet packaged products including alcoholic drinks consistently rank as the second major source of plastic pollution nationwide.
The organisation explained that these materials are largely single use, difficult to recover and recycle and contribute significantly to clogged drainages flooding and urban environmental degradation. Their widespread use in informal consumption markets further worsens improper disposal and leakage into waterways and coastal ecosystems.
Dr Adogame warned that sustained lobbying by industry players and plastic manufacturers should not be allowed to override the public health and environmental consequences of single use plastics. He stressed that NAFDAC’s action deserves national commendation as it sends a strong message that the health of Nigerians and the integrity of the environment must always come first.
SRADeV also linked the enforcement to existing policy frameworks noting that the National Plastic Waste Management Policy 2020 and the forthcoming plastic waste regulations by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency NESREA identify single use plastics such as sachets lightweight bags straws and small bottles for phased reduction or elimination. Although NESREA’s regulations are yet to be officially gazetted largely due to industry influence the organisation said the agency’s ongoing regulatory focus aligns with national sustainability goals.
According to SRADeV NAFDAC’s action though primarily driven by public health concerns highlights the interconnected nature of plastic pollution, public health waste management and environmental protection underscoring the need for stronger synergy among regulatory institutions.
The group further noted that the policy action aligns with growing global efforts to eliminate single use plastics which have become a pervasive environmental menace worldwide. From marine pollution and biodiversity loss to climate impacts and chemical exposure risks SRADeV said single use plastics pose serious threats that countries across the world are increasingly addressing through reuse systems, refill models and sustainable packaging alternatives.
Nigeria the organisation stressed must not be left behind in the global transition away from a throwaway culture. Speaking on the issue SRADeV’s Communications and Outreach Officer Manu Hannatu Ahmadu described the shift towards reuse as no longer optional but a practical climate smart and environmentally responsible lifestyle choice.
SRADeV Nigeria reaffirmed its support for NAFDAC’s action and called for sustained enforcement, increased public awareness and complementary policies from relevant government agencies to promote reuse, waste reduction and environmentally sound alternatives. The organisation emphasised that protecting public health and safeguarding the environment must remain non-negotiable national priorities.
