KADUNA, NIGERIA: Despite regulatory efforts by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to curb alcohol abuse among young Nigerians, the consumption of sachet alcohol and small PET or glass bottled drinks remains widespread in Kaduna.
NAFDAC had earlier announced restrictions on the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages in sachets and bottles below 200ml, citing growing concerns over underage drinking and public health risks. The move was backed by findings from a national survey which revealed that such products are easily accessible, affordable, and often consumed by minors.
However, a visit to several drinking spots across Kaduna paints a different picture.
Under the scorching afternoon sun, clusters of young men could be seen consuming sachet alcohol in open spaces and roadside joints. Many appeared visibly intoxicated, yet energetic, as they continued with their daily hustle.
At one such spot, a young man, Irimia Kulu, openly admitted to heavy consumption.
“Bros, you are free to mention my name, I don’t care. After all, government no dey feed me,” he said.
“The only way to avoid thinking and to have good sleep, I must take like eight sachets of Yoyo bitters or four small PET bottles. It helps me sleep and forget my worries.”
When confronted with the potential health risks, particularly liver damage, he dismissed the concerns.
“Nothing go happen to me. I don dey take am for more than six years now, nothing do me. Make I tell you the secret — we wey dey take am dey live longer than some of una wey no dey take am. I no dey sick,” he insisted.
Another respondent, Habib Ismaila, a commercial motor boy, described alcohol consumption as part of his daily routine.
“It has become part of me to take three sachets in the morning before I start work. It gives me morale to call and hustle for passengers. I just can’t do without it,” he said.
Despite acknowledging awareness of the NAFDAC ban, Habib was dismissive of its relevance.
“Forget about them. They should focus on stopping fake foods entering the country. Make them allow us enjoy ourselves — this is the only thing that gives us joy,” he added.
These street-level realities appear to validate NAFDAC’s concerns. According to the agency’s findings, sachet-sized alcohol and small PET bottles are the most commonly consumed forms among young people due to their affordability, portability, and ease of concealment.
NAFDAC also noted that a significant number of underage consumers purchase these products directly from retailers, highlighting weak enforcement and widespread availability.
Public health experts warn that excessive alcohol consumption, particularly in such concentrated and frequent doses, can lead to severe health complications, including liver disease, addiction, and mental health disorders.
The continued circulation of these banned products raises questions about enforcement gaps and the effectiveness of current regulatory measures.
While NAFDAC has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and reducing alcohol abuse, the situation in Kaduna suggests that more aggressive enforcement, public awareness, and community engagement may be required.
For many young men on the streets, however, sachet alcohol remains more than just a drink — it is a coping mechanism in the face of economic hardship, stress, and uncertainty.
Until those underlying issues are addressed, the ban alone may struggle to achieve its intended impact.
