The Pure Heart Islamic Foundation of Nigeria (PHF) has expressed concern about the government’s decision to reverse the prohibition on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and containers below 200 ml, popularly known as Pelebe in the Southwest.
It warned that such a move undermines public health, child protection, and social stability.The Foundation, in a press statement through its national coordinator, Mr Ola Balogun, reaffirmed the Foundation’s unequivocal support for regulatory measures restricting the production, distribution, and sale of sachet alcoholic beverages.
Protect Young People
It called on the government and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to remain firm and consistent in implementing policies designed to protect young people and vulnerable populations.
Similarly, the National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh faulted the policy reversal, describing it as a troubling setback for health protection and child safety.
Citing evidence-based public health data, Ezeh noted that alcohol misuse is linked to nearly 29 per cent of preventable deaths and about half of road traffic accidents in Nigeria.
Phase out sachet alcohol.
He recalled that in December 2018, NAFDAC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, entered into a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with industry operators to phase out sachet alcohol by January 31, 2024 – later extended to December 2025 to allow manufacturers to adjust production lines and clear existing stock.
“Alcohol-related deaths, including liver disease, alcohol-induced cancers and fatal crashes, exceeded 60,000 cases in 2016 alone, reinforcing the classification of alcohol misuse as a national public health emergency requiring firm regulatory intervention,” Ezeh stated.
The Pure Heart Islamic Foundation emphasised that its position aligns with its objectives of promoting moral responsibility, protecting youth and vulnerable members of society, strengthening family life, and advancing initiatives that uphold human dignity and social stability.
According to both groups, the very low price and easy availability of sachet alcohol significantly lower barriers to access and concealment, encouraging underage consumption and frequent use among vulnerable populations.
Studies show that many minors independently purchase alcohol, preferring sachets because they are cheap, portable, and easily hidden.
Risk to Public Safety
They further warned that the portability of sachet alcohol encourages consumption in motor parks, workshops, construction sites, and other public places where alcohol use poses direct risks to public safety, particularly on Nigeria’s roads.
Addressing arguments about employment and economic impact, the foundation and ACPN maintained that such claims are often overstated and should not justify weakening policies that protect public health and child welfare.
They stressed that long-term social and economic costs, including healthcare expenditure, productivity losses, broken homes, rising youth indiscipline, and criminal justice burdens, far outweigh short-term commercial gains.
Weak Compliance Measures
Ezeh also cautioned against relying solely on warning labels and age restrictions, describing them as weak compliance measures without strong supply controls. He warned that policy inconsistency could erode public confidence in regulatory institutions.
Nigeria, they noted, stands at a critical policy crossroads. Both the Foundation and the pharmacists urged authorities to prioritise evidence-based regulation, child protection, and public health above profit considerations.
The Pure Heart Islamic Foundation, therefore, calls on community leaders, parents, educators, and religious institutions to intensify public awareness campaigns on the dangers of alcohol abuse.
Responsibly and Constructively
Urged the well-meaning Nigerians to speak responsibly and constructively against the proliferation of sachet alcohol while promoting healthier alternatives within their communities.