Abuja: The Federal Government on Thursday unveiled the Nigeria Alcohol Policy and its Multisectoral Implementation Plan for 2026-2030, aimed at regulating the production, distribution, marketing, and consumption of alcohol across the nation. The unveiling ceremony took place in Abuja, marking a significant step towards balancing economic opportunities from alcohol production with public health and social welfare responsibilities.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event was officiated by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, who highlighted the dual focus of the policy. Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ms. Daju Kachollom, Pate emphasized the contribution of legitimate alcohol industries to economic activities, employment, and livelihoods while acknowledging the significant burdens posed by harmful alcohol use and unregulated products. These burdens include non-communicable diseases, road traffic injuries, interpersonal and gender-based violence, mental health
issues, and reduced productivity.
Pate explained that the Nigeria Alcohol Policy serves as an integrated national response to maximize economic benefits and minimize alcohol-related harm. The policy’s approach aligns with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s overarching goal of saving lives and protecting Nigerians from physical and financial hardships. Pate underscored the importance of preventing alcohol-related injuries and deaths and alleviating financial difficulties caused by alcohol-related illnesses or injuries.
The policy is structured around four strategic pillars: harm reduction and health promotion; industrial and economic development; multisectoral coordination and governance; and monitoring, evaluation, accountability, research, and learning. These pillars provide a comprehensive framework for prevention, public education, responsible industry practices, effective regulation, and improved access to screening, treatment, and rehabilitation. They also emphasize the use of reliable
evidence to guide implementation and address the social and economic factors affecting wellbeing.
Pate stressed that public health protection should remain central to the policy’s implementation, with a focus on strengthening public education through community engagement, responsible marketing, and the enforcement of age and access restrictions. He also highlighted the importance of integrating alcohol screening, treatment, and rehabilitation into the national health system.
Aligning with Nigeria’s national response to Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 3, 8, 9, and 11, the policy is also consistent with relevant World Health Organization frameworks on alcohol control.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), emphasized the policy’s role in supporting Nigeria’s broader health and socioeconomic reform agenda. She noted that the policy reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to the Sustainable Development
Goals related to health, sustainable industry, and resilient communities. The Nigerian Alcohol Policy, she explained, provides essential guidance for the regulated production, distribution, marketing, and consumption of alcohol, prioritizing harm reduction, consumer safety, and industry interests.
Adeyeye affirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to contributing to a healthier, safer, and more productive Nigeria through science-based regulation, effective monitoring, and stakeholder engagement. She announced that NAFDAC has already begun implementing measures, including an agreement with manufacturers to cease alcohol packaging in containers of 200 milligrams or less.
In conclusion, Adeyeye congratulated all stakeholders involved in developing the Nigerian Alcohol Policy and its multisectoral implementation plan, which is set to bring about significant improvements in public health and economic regulation.