Nigeria: Govt Unveils Five-Year Plan to Curb Alcohol-Related Harm

What the report says

The Nigerian federal government has launched a new five-year alcohol policy and implementation plan covering 2026 to 2030, aiming to reduce alcohol-related harm, tighten regulation and respond to the growth of illicit alcohol sales. According to Vanguard’s report carried by AllAfrica, the plan was unveiled in Abuja and is intended to give government agencies and other stakeholders a single framework for action.

The policy sets out measures such as stronger public education, tighter rules on alcohol marketing, age and access controls, and expanded screening, treatment and rehabilitation services. It also seeks to improve safety, quality and traceability across the alcohol supply chain. Health and Social Welfare officials said the issue goes beyond the health sector and requires coordination on public health, economic development and governance.

The plan is organized around four pillars: harm reduction and health promotion; industrial and economic development; multisectoral coordination and governance; and monitoring, evaluation and accountability. Officials cited World Health Organization data and road safety figures to argue that alcohol use has wider public safety consequences. They also pointed to industry estimates that illicit spirits and wines may account for about 40% of Nigeria’s market, with major revenue losses for the state.

NAFDAC said it supports the policy direction and reiterated its stance on restricting small-volume alcohol products. The launch drew representatives from several ministries and agencies, including customs, road safety, drug enforcement and local government bodies, which pledged to support implementation.