NAFDAC stops registration of sachet alcohol

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced that it stopped registering sachet alcohol as of February 2024, a move aimed at reducing its accessibility, particularly among young people.

During a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday, Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC’s Director General, highlighted the agency’s accomplishments over the past seven years and unveiled a forward-looking plan for 2025.

Adeyeye outlined five key pillars of the strategic vision: strong governance and leadership, improved maternal and child health, institutionalising best practices, ensuring the safety and quality of regulated products, and enhanced monitoring of the supply chain.

Read also: NAFDAC struggles to enforce sachet alcohol ban five years after threat

“A cornerstone of the strategic plan is addressing the agency’s greatest need: an adequately staffed workforce,” she said, emphasising that the agency faces severe understaffing despite its extensive regulatory responsibilities.

With only 2,000 staff nationwide, NAFDAC operates far below the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Benchmarking requirements, which call for 10,000 personnel to effectively oversee the needs of Nigeria’s population.

To bridge this gap, Adeyeye revealed plans to engage volunteers as a temporary measure while awaiting statutory approval for new hires.

The agency’s focus on staffing and operational efficiency aligns with its broader mission to safeguard public health and enhance the quality of life for Nigerians.