Alarm Bells as Rivers, Lagos Emerge Hotspots for Underage Sachet Alcohol Abuse

Global Mirror News gathered that fresh findings from a Nationwide survey have raised serious concerns over the rising consumption of sachet-packaged alcohol among minors, with Rivers and Lagos States emerging as the most affected in Nigeria.

The study, conducted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in collaboration with the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria, revealed widespread access to alcohol among children and adolescents, largely driven by the availability of small, easily concealed packaging.

According to NAFDAC, the survey—carried out by Research and Data Solutions Ltd, Abuja—sampled 1,788 respondents across six states between June and August 2021. It examined access to alcohol and drinking frequency among minors (below 13 years), underaged persons (13–17 years), and adults (18 years and above).

Presenting the findings, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, warned that alcohol remains one of the most widely abused substances among young people, noting that easy availability and weak restrictions continue to encourage early exposure.

The report revealed that over 54 per cent of minors and underaged respondents obtained alcohol by themselves, with nearly half purchasing drinks packaged in sachets or PET bottles. Rivers State recorded the highest consumption rates—68 per cent for sachets and 64.5 per cent for PET bottles—while Lagos followed with 52.3 per cent and 47.7 per cent respectively. Kaduna State recorded relatively lower figures.

Global Mirror News gathered that the data also showed higher consumption among males than females, as well as greater prevalence in rural communities compared to urban centres, pointing to deeper socio-economic and regulatory challenges.

In addition to direct purchase, minors reportedly accessed alcohol through friends and relatives, at social gatherings, and from parents’ homes, further exposing lapses in parental guidance and community oversight.

On drinking frequency, while most minors and underaged persons identified as occasional drinkers, a disturbing proportion admitted to daily consumption, particularly among adolescents aged 13–17 years.

NAFDAC stressed the need for urgent regulatory intervention, recommending a ban on small alcohol pack sizes, including sachets and bottles below 200 millilitres, which it said are easily concealed and encourage underage drinking.

The Agency also called on parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to take collective action, urging stronger enforcement of existing laws and sustained public awareness campaigns to curb the growing menace of underage alcohol consumption across Nigeria.