A good number of Nigerian kids are alcoholics, NAFDAC raises alarm

3.2.2026
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised an alarm on the level of alcohol consumption by Nigerians kids.
According to NAFDAC data over half of Nigerian underage children consume alcohol with 54.3 percent of minors reportedly purchasing alcohol themselves, often in sachets and small PET bottles that are cheap, accessible, and easily concealed.
The nationwide study, sponsored by the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) in collaboration with NAFDAC, was conducted between June and August 2021 across six states representing all geopolitical zones. A total of 1,788 respondents participated in the quantitative survey, while 161 individuals contributed through focus group discussions and interviews.
According to Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, NAFDAC’s Director-General, the data paints a disturbing picture of how children gain access to alcohol. Nearly half (49.9 percent) sourced drinks from friends or relatives, while 45.9 percent obtained them at social gatherings. Rivers, Lagos, and Kaduna states recorded the highest rates of minors procuring alcohol in sachets and PET bottles.
Consumption patterns are equally alarming, Prof Adeyeye noted. While most minors (63.2 percent ) and underaged children (54.0 percent) reported occasional drinking, a significant proportion admitted to daily or weekly intake. The prevalence of occasional drinking among minors was found to be higher than among adults, underscoring the scale of the challenge.
Prof. Adeyeye stressed that restricting access to small pack sizes could be a critical step in curbing underage drinking.
The DG of NAFDAC warned, “Access to alcohol by children can be limited if pack sizes that can be easily concealed are not available.
“Ban on small pack sizes (sachet 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 added.
The survey highlighted an urgent need for policy intervention, community vigilance, and stricter regulation.
NAFDAC reiterated its pledged to intensify efforts to protect public health, working with parents, teachers, religious leaders, and stakeholders nationwide to combat the scourge of underage alcohol abuse.