The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reaffirmed that its ban on the production and sale of sachet and other small-volume alcoholic beverages remains in force, insisting there are no plans to reverse the policy.

Speaking in an interview, the agency's South-East Zonal Director, Dr. Festus Ukadike, said enforcement of the ban is already underway, with officials targeting manufacturers and distributors of sachet alcoholic drinks across the country.

He disclosed that the next phase of the exercise would focus on removing the remaining banned products from circulation.

Ukadike stressed that the policy would not hinder legitimate businesses, explaining that manufacturers are free to continue producing alcoholic beverages in bottles of 200ml and above.

According to him, enforcement operations have already resulted in arrests and the seizure of banned products in several South-East states, including Enugu, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi and Anambra.

He said one of the major objectives of the ban is to shield children and young people from early exposure to alcohol and its harmful effects.

"If our children are no longer exposed to sachet alcohol, they will live healthier lives, curb antisocial behaviours and promote the country's fight against cancer and other terminal diseases," Ukadike said.

He also urged Nigerians to consume alcohol responsibly, noting that the withdrawal of sachet alcoholic drinks from the market should not be regarded as a major inconvenience.

Responding to concerns over affordability, the NAFDAC official maintained that public health must take precedence over commercial interests.

Ukadike further disclosed that within the next 12 months, Nigeria is expected to fully implement a regulatory framework that will prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages in packaging smaller than 200ml.

The policy has, however, drawn mixed reactions from consumers.

A resident, Charles Otubo, argued that the restriction should be enforced only in motor parks to help curb road accidents caused by drunk driving rather than applying it nationwide.

Another consumer, identified simply as Godwin, supported the ban, saying he had witnessed schoolchildren buying sachet alcoholic drinks, hiding them in their school bags and taking them to school. He suggested that alcoholic beverages should only be sold through designated liquor stores to limit underage access.