Nigeria: Federal Govt Launches Alcohol Policy, Targets Harmful Use, Illicit Trade

The Nigerian government has unveiled a comprehensive Alcohol Policy and Multisectoral Implementation Plan (2026-2030) to strike a balance between fostering industry growth and safeguarding public health. This unified framework, unveiled by the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako, aims to promote responsible alcohol consumption, mitigate harm, and stimulate sustainable development within the sector.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasized that alcohol-related harm transcends the health sector, impacting public health, economic development, and governance. The policy underscores the need for a coordinated national response, with government bodies spearheading public awareness campaigns, responsible marketing, age restrictions, and improved access to screening, treatment, and rehabilitation services.

The plan also seeks to reinforce safety, quality, and traceability standards throughout the alcohol value chain. According to WHO data, Nigerians consumed 3.2 liters of pure alcohol per person aged 15 and above in 2024. Additionally, the Federal Road Safety Corps reported 9,570 road traffic crashes and 5,421 fatalities in 2024, attributing the issue to drunk driving.

Illicit alcohol, accounting for roughly 40% of the market, is causing annual fiscal losses of over N428 billion, as estimated by the Spirits and Wines Association of Nigeria (SWAN). The policy aligns with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, the NHSRII, the African Union Agenda 2063, the SDGs, and WHO guidelines. Concurrently, NAFDAC has initiated nationwide enforcement, targeting small sachet and PET alcohol bottles below 200ml, in line with the Federal Government's ban on these products.

In the face of shifting consumer preferences, Nigerians spent N1.41 trillion on beer, malt, and spirits in the first half of 2026, as per Nairametrics analysis. While industry growth persists through pricing and product diversification strategies, younger Nigerians are gravitating towards spirits, wine, ready-to-drink beverages, and non-alcoholic alternatives.