The Federal Government has introduced a new five-year framework aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm, tightening oversight of the industry and tackling the growing market for illicit alcoholic beverages in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Alcohol Policy and Multisectoral Implementation Plan (2026–2030) was unveiled in Abuja as part of efforts to establish a coordinated approach to the production, distribution, marketing and consumption of alcoholic products.
Under the new framework, government agencies and other stakeholders are expected to strengthen public awareness campaigns, enforce restrictions on access to alcohol, promote responsible marketing and improve access to screening, treatment and rehabilitation services for people experiencing alcohol-related problems.
The policy also places emphasis on ensuring that alcoholic products meet required safety and quality standards and can be properly traced throughout the supply chain.
Speaking on the initiative, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said alcohol-related challenges should not be viewed solely as a health-sector issue.
According to him, the effects of harmful alcohol consumption extend to the economy, road safety, communities and governance, making cooperation among different government institutions essential.
The policy identifies four major areas of intervention: reducing alcohol-related harm and promoting healthier lifestyles; supporting industrial and economic development; strengthening coordination and governance; and improving monitoring, research, evaluation and accountability.
Government data cited at the launch showed that people aged 15 years and above consumed an average of 3.2 litres of pure alcohol per person in 2024, based on the latest available World Health Organisation figures.
The Federal Government also highlighted the connection between alcohol consumption and road crashes. Figures from the Federal Road Safety Corps indicated that Nigeria recorded 9,570 road crashes and 5,421 deaths in 2024, with driving under the influence identified as one of the contributing factors.
Another major concern addressed by the policy is the illicit alcohol market. Industry estimates indicate that approximately 40 per cent of spirits and wines are illicit or unrecorded, a situation government says contributes to substantial revenue losses.
Estimates cited at the policy launch put the potential annual revenue loss from the illicit market at more than ₦428 billion.
Pate stressed that the government’s objective is not to undermine legitimate alcohol businesses but to encourage responsible practices, while ensuring that products meet safety, quality and traceability requirements.
He further called for collaboration among the health, finance, trade, transport, regulatory and other sectors to ensure that the policy produces measurable results.
The implementation plan is expected to run until 2030, with the government hoping that stronger regulation, public education and coordinated enforcement will lead to safer communities, healthier citizens and a more accountable alcohol industry.
