Dr. Nwamaka Lasebikan, Director of Research and Innovation at the Nigerian Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment has applauded the Federal Government’s decision to ban the production and distribution of sachet alcohol in Nigeria.
Lasebikan, a radiation and clinical oncologist, made the remark during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on the sidelines of the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria held in Lagos on Wednesday.
The Federal Government, through the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control announced on Tuesday that the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and bottles below 200ml would be banned, with full enforcement taking effect from January 1, 2026.
Describing the move as “a step in the right direction,” Dr. Lasebikan said the measure would significantly help to curb the rising cases of non-communicable diseases and alcohol-related cancers in the country.
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“It is a fantastic development. The sale of alcohol was becoming very unregulated, as minors who have no business accessing alcohol could easily buy it. This ban will help protect young people and reduce harmful consumption,” she said.
She noted that alcohol is a major risk factor for NCDs including cancer, liver disease, and cardiovascular illnesses and that the proliferation of cheap sachet alcohol products had worsened the problem in recent years.
According to her, “The ban will not only limit access to alcohol among underage consumers but also reduce the long-term health and social consequences associated with excessive drinking.”
Dr. Lasebikan also urged the government to explore “sin taxes” levies on harmful products such as alcohol, tobacco, and sugary beverages to discourage consumption and generate revenue for health programmes.
“Introducing sin taxes can serve as both a deterrent and a source of funding for public health education and treatment initiatives,” she added.
Sin taxes are excise duties imposed on goods deemed harmful to individuals and society, including alcohol, tobacco, drugs, soft drinks, fast foods, and gambling products.
