By Fatima Saka
The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) has called on the National Assembly (NASS) to expedite the passage of the National Alcohol Control Policy Bill to strengthen the ongoing enforcement by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) against the sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.
The appeal comes as NAFDAC begins a nationwide enforcement operation across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, targeting markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars and other distribution channels. The agency is currently identifying, seizing and removing banned alcoholic products from circulation.
The House of Representatives had earlier advanced the legislative process, passing the bill for a second reading on May 7, 2026. The proposed law seeks to regulate alcohol production, marketing and consumption, with a focus on protecting minors and reducing alcohol-related harm. The bill is sponsored by Hon. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe.
In a statement issued in Lagos, RDI emphasized that the National Assembly must complement NAFDAC’s enforcement efforts by ensuring the swift passage of the bill before the expiration of the 10th Assembly. The group noted that legislative backing is critical to sustaining the gains of the current crackdown and protecting vulnerable populations, especially adolescents.
RDI Executive Director, Philip Jakpor, commended NAFDAC for taking decisive action against harmful alcohol products, stating that the enforcement demonstrates a strong commitment to improving public health outcomes.
“By matching words with action, NAFDAC has demonstrated its commitment to ridding the public space of harmful alcohol products. This would improve public health outcomes, especially among young people targeted by the alcohol industry. The National Assembly must no longer delay in playing its role,” Jakpor said.
He further urged the Federal Government to go beyond enforcement by fully implementing the World Health Organization’s SAFER technical package, which outlines strategies to reduce alcohol-related harm. These include stricter controls on alcohol availability, enforcement of drink-driving laws, expanded access to treatment, and comprehensive bans on alcohol advertising, sponsorship and promotion.
Jakpor also highlighted the economic implications of sustained enforcement, noting that reduced alcohol consumption could lead to improved household spending on essential needs such as nutrition and education.
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“The ball is now in the court of the National Assembly. It must accelerate work on the bill so that the health and economic benefits of reducing underage drinking, youth addiction and rising health burdens associated with alcohol can be realized quickly,” he added.
RDI maintained that timely legislative action, combined with robust enforcement and policy implementation, is key to addressing Nigeria’s growing alcohol-related public health challenges.
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