The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), a non-governmental organisation, has urged the National Assembly to expedite passage of the national alcohol control policy bill to strengthen enforcement of the ban on sachet alcohol.

The Executive Director of RDI, Philip Jakpor, made the call in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

Mr Jakpor said speedy passage of the bill would complement enforcement by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) against alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate bottles.

He said NAFDAC’s enforcement targeted markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars and other distribution channels to identify, seize and remove the banned products from circulation.

Mr Jakpor urged the National Assembly to support the agency’s efforts by ensuring passage of the bill before the end of the 10th Assembly.

According to him, the House of Representatives passed the bill for a second reading on May 7, 2026.

He said the proposed legislation, sponsored by Oluwatimehin Adelegbe, seeks to regulate alcohol production, marketing and consumption to reduce alcohol-related harm, particularly among minors.

Mr Jakpor said the legislation would strengthen public health protection and reduce the exposure of young people to harmful alcohol marketing and consumption.

He also urged the federal government to fully implement the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) “SAFER” technical package on alcohol control.

According to him, sustained enforcement will reduce alcohol consumption and enable households to channel more resources to essential needs such as nutrition and children’s education.

(NAN)