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Underage drinking: NAFDAC pushes tighter sachet alcohol regulation
The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has reiterated the need for stronger enforcement of age restrictions, regulation of packaging, and community participation to curb alcohol abuse among minors.
She said the issue should not be treated lightly, warning that underage drinking increases the risk of early addiction, road accidents, and wider social problems.
She said her concerns were supported by a national survey conducted by NAFDAC in collaboration with the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), which revealed high levels of alcohol access and consumption among minors and underage children nationwide.
The study, carried out by Research and Data Solutions Ltd, Abuja, between June and August 2021, surveyed 1,788 respondents in six States representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Children under 13 were classified as minors, those aged 13–17 as underage, while adults were 18 and above.
According to her, additional qualitative data were obtained from 161 participants through focus group discussions and key informant interviews with retailers.
Findings, she said, showed that 54.3 percent of minors and underage children purchase alcohol for themselves, while 49.9 percent obtain it from friends and relatives, 45.9 percent at social gatherings, and 21.7 percent from parents’ homes.
According to her, sachets and PET bottles were the most common forms, with 47.2 percent of minors and 48.8 percent of underage children buying alcohol in sachets, while 41.2 percent of minors and 47.2 percent of underage children used PET bottles.
The survey indicated that glass bottles were procured by 27.6 percent of the underage, the DG said.
The highest access via sachets and PET bottles, according to her, was reported in Rivers (68 and 64.5 percent), Lagos (52.3 and 47.7 percent), and Kaduna (38.6 and 28.4 percent).
On consumption, she noted that the survey found that 63.2 percent of minors and 54.0 percent of underage children drink alcohol occasionally.
However, according to her, alarmingly, 9.3 percent of minors and 25.2 percent of underage children drink daily, while 11.3 percent of minors and 9.4 percent of underage children consume alcohol at least once a week.
Commenting on the findings, Adeyeye said, “Alcohol is one of the most widely used substances of abuse among youths, and it is a growing public health concern in Nigeria
“Access to alcohol by children can be limited if pack sizes that can be easily concealed are not available. A ban on small pack sizes (sachets and less than 200 ml bottles) can reduce the menace of underage drinking.
“Consumption of alcohol should raise alarm for parents, teachers, religious leaders, and the community at large,” she admonished.
Ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has accused the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) of procuring a highly toxic chemical compound, thallium sulphate, allegedly capable of being used for assassinations.
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, El-Rufai claimed that information available to opposition political leaders suggested that the office of the National Security Adviser, headed by Nuhu Ribadu, had imported approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland.
The former governor said he had formally written to the ONSA seeking urgent clarification over the alleged transaction, describing the matter as one of grave public concern.
A fire outbreak at the Singer Market in Kano has destroyed properties worth over N5 billion, affecting over 1,000 businesses and leaving seven persons missing.
The market’s Chairman, Alhaji Junaid Zakari, disclosed this to newsmen in kano on Sunday.
Zakari described the incident as one of the worst tragedies in the market’s history, with four residential buildings housing small-scale businesses razed.
Goods, equipment, and valuables were completely burnt, crippling the livelihoods of hundreds of families.
The chairman further revealed that seven persons were declared missing as of the time of filing this report.
Zakari added that investigations were ongoing to determine their whereabouts to confirm whether they were alive or dead.
He said emergency responders and security agencies were working to unravel the cause of the fire.
Zakari described the incident as a tragedy that would never be forgotten in the history of the historic market, stressing the urgent need for support to enable the affected traders to rebuild their businesses.
He, however, commended Gov. Abba Yusuf for visiting the scene while the fire was still raging, stating that the Governor’s swift response demonstrated concern and solidarity with the victims.
Authorities are yet to officially determine the cause of the inferno, as the affected traders continued to salvage what remained of their properties.
Alhaji Isa Abubakar, a shop owner, said he lost goods worth over N200 million, saying, “from God we come, to Him we shall return.
“I am here and it is heartbreaking to see goods worth billions of Naira destroyed by fire.”
Abubakar commended Yusuf for visiting the scene, demonstrating concern and solidarity with the victims.
Musa Ibrahim, a market trader, recounted his experience, saying that he lost goods worth over N340 million in the fire.
“The fire had consumed everything we had,” he said, pointing to the remains of his shop
The Units Chairmen’s Forum of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Ughelli North chapter led by Coach Charles Tuedor held an interactive session with Elders, Leaders, and Stakeholders at the residence of Amb. Thompson O. Akpososo in Afiesere Community on February 14, 2026.
The meeting was marked by a significant donation: Hon Chief George Osikorobia, the first Ughelli North Local Government Council Chairman elected under the PDP platform, donated a party secretariat to the PDP. He urged the units chairmen to continue spreading the party’s message across the LGA.
Party leaders, including Hon Pastor Stephen Kesiena Nomuoja and Hon Daniel Emaye, commended the units chairmen for their unwavering efforts and commitments towards the party’s growth. They urged them to remain steadfast and continue working towards the party’s success.
Hon Dr Olotu Akpodiete JP, the Ughelli North, South, and Udu Federal Constituency House of Reps Aspirant, represented by Hon. Ovo Erhabor thanked the units chairmen for their resilience and assured them that the party will overcome its current challenges. He urged the unit chairmen to sensitize the electorates on the importance of getting their voters’ cards, emphasizing that it is crucial for the party’s success in 2027.
The meeting organizers thanked sponsors, including Hon.Dr.Olotu Akpodiete JP,Hon.Oke Umurhohwo,Pastor Kesiena Nomuoja,Madam Rita Agbah, Hon. Daniel Emaye,Hon. Alex Akporute, Amb. Comrade Kpoharor Emmanuel, Chief Scott Udu, Hon. Karo Akpososo among others
Just in: Ex-Governor of Kaduna alleges NSA imported poisonous chemical
SAD: Seven declared missing as fire destroy goods worth over N5bn in Kano
Akpodiete urges PDP Unit Chairmen to Mobilize Voters for 2027 Victory
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