The Federal Government has launched a five-year national policy aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm, strengthening regulation, and tackling illicit alcohol trade in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Alcohol Policy and Multisectoral Implementation Plan 2026–2030, launched in Abuja on Thursday, provides a coordinated framework for addressing the health, social, and economic effects of alcohol consumption.
The policy focuses on harm reduction and health promotion, industrial and economic development, stronger coordination among government agencies, and monitoring and accountability. It also targets responsible marketing, age and access controls, drink-driving, screening and treatment, as well as safety and traceability across the alcohol value chain.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, represented by Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, said alcohol-related harm could no longer be treated as a health-sector issue alone.
He said coordinated action was needed because the issue affects public health, economic development, social welfare, and governance.
Pate cited World Health Organization data showing that Nigeria’s total alcohol consumption stood at 3.2 litres of pure alcohol per person aged 15 and above in 2024.
He also highlighted road safety concerns, noting that the Federal Road Safety Corps recorded 9,570 road crashes and 5,421 deaths in 2024, with driving under the influence recognized as one of the contributors to road crashes.
The government also raised concerns over the illicit alcohol market. According to the Spirits and Wines Association of Nigeria, citing a 2024 Euromonitor survey, illicit spirits and wines account for about 40 percent of the market, costing the government an estimated N428 billion in annual revenue.
Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, welcomed the policy and reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to science-based regulation, surveillance, and enforcement.
She also restated the agency’s position on the restriction of small-volume alcoholic products, including the ban on alcohol sold in sachets and containers below 200 millilitres.
The government called on ministries, regulatory and enforcement agencies, industry players, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, and the media to support implementation of the policy.
The Federal Ministry of Health said the plan would be implemented in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s broader health and development commitments.
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