The Federal Government has launched the Nigeria Alcohol Policy and Multisectoral Implementation Plan (2026–2030).

The policy provides a unified framework for promoting responsible alcohol consumption, reducing alcohol-related harms, and fostering sustainable growth in Nigeria’s alcohol industry.

The launch was announced in a statement by Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, and shared on the Ministry’s official X platform.

Speaking at the event, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, said alcohol-related harm was a cross-sectoral issue that went beyond the health sector.

She said the challenge cuts across public health, economic development and governance, underscoring the need for a coordinated national response.

“Nigeria cannot address alcohol-related harm through fragmented interventions. It requires coordination across sectors, clear responsibilities and accountability for results,” she said.

Under the framework, government agencies will implement public awareness campaigns, promote responsible marketing, enforce age and access restrictions, and improve access to alcohol screening, treatment and rehabilitation services. The policy also aims to strengthen safety, quality standards and traceability across the alcohol value chain.

Pate cited World Health Organization data indicating that alcohol consumption in Nigeria stood at 3.2 litres of pure alcohol per person aged 15 and above in 2024.

He also cited data from the Federal Road Safety Corps, which recorded 9,570 road traffic crashes and 5,421 fatalities across the country in 2024, noting that driving under the influence of alcohol remains a contributing factor to road accidents.

In her goodwill message, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, commended the Federal Government for establishing a clear policy direction for alcohol regulation.

She reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to science-based regulation, surveillance and stakeholder engagement, while reiterating the agency’s ban on the sale of alcohol in sachets and containers below 200 millilitres.

The launch brought together key stakeholders, including representatives of the Ministries of Finance and Industry, Trade and Investment, the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigerian Correctional Service and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, among others.