BY UCHECHI OKPORIE
Rivers and Lagos states have emerged as the highest consumers of sachet and small bottled alcoholic drinks among minors and underage persons in Nigeria, according to a nationwide survey by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The survey, conducted with the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria and carried out by Research and Data Solutions Ltd, covered 1,788 respondents across six states between June and August 2021.
The study assessed how minors (below 13 years), underaged persons (13–17 years) and adults access alcohol and how often they drink.
Presenting the findings, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said alcohol remains one of the most commonly abused substances among young people in Nigeria.
She explained that easy access to alcohol, especially in small and easily concealed packs, continues to drive underage drinking.
According to the report, over half of minors and underaged respondents obtained alcohol by themselves, while nearly half bought drinks packaged in sachets and small plastic bottles.
Rivers State recorded the highest consumption of sachet and small bottled alcohol among young people, followed by Lagos State. Kaduna State also recorded significant levels, though lower than Rivers and Lagos.
The survey further showed that male respondents consumed sachet alcohol more than females, while rural areas recorded slightly higher use than urban locations.
Apart from buying alcohol directly, minors and underaged persons also accessed drinks through friends and relatives, social events and, in some cases, from their parents’ homes.
On drinking habits, most respondents in the underage category said they drank occasionally. However, a noticeable number of minors and underaged persons admitted to drinking alcohol daily.
NAFDAC warned that the continued availability of small-sized alcohol packs makes it easier for children to obtain and hide alcohol. The agency therefore called for stricter regulation, including a ban on sachets and alcohol containers below 200 millilitres.
The agency also appealed to parents, teachers, religious leaders and community members to take stronger responsibility in monitoring and discouraging alcohol use among children, stressing that underage drinking poses serious risks to young people and society.
NAFDAC said the findings highlight the urgent need for stronger policies and public awareness campaigns to curb underage drinking across both urban and rural communities in Nigeria.
