RIVERS AND LAGOS TOP NIGERIA IN UNDERAGE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION — NAFDAC SURVEY

RIVERS AND LAGOS TOP NIGERIA IN UNDERAGE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION — NAFDAC SURVEY


February 3, 2026 | 10:51 am

Rivers and Lagos States are leading Nigeria in the consumption of alcoholic beverages sold in sachets and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles among minors and underage persons, according to a nationwide survey conducted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The study, carried out in collaboration with the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria and implemented by Research and Data Solutions Ltd, Abuja, surveyed 1,788 respondents across six states between June and August 2021. It assessed alcohol access and consumption patterns among minors (under 13 years), underage persons (13–17 years), and adults (18 years and above).

Presenting the findings, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described alcohol as “one of the most widely used substances of abuse among youths” and noted that easy availability and accessibility significantly contribute to underage drinking.

The survey found that 54.3% of minors and underage respondents obtained alcohol by themselves, with nearly half (49.9%) purchasing drinks in sachets or PET bottles. Rivers State recorded the highest rates — 68% for sachets and 64.5% for PET bottles — while Lagos State followed with 52.3% and 47.7%, respectively. Kaduna State recorded lower consumption at 38.6% for sachets and 28.4% for PET bottles.

The report highlighted gender and location differences, showing sachet alcohol consumption was higher among males (51.4%) than females (41.5%), and slightly more common in rural areas (50.1%) compared to urban areas (45.3%). Other sources of alcohol for minors included friends and relatives (49.9%), social gatherings (45.9%), and parents’ homes (21.7%).

Among minors who purchased alcohol themselves, 47.2% bought sachets and 41.2% PET bottles, while 48.8% of underage respondents bought sachets and 47.2% PET bottles. Consumption frequency showed that 63.2% of minors and 54% of underage persons were occasional drinkers, but 9.3% of minors and 25.2% of underage respondents reported daily consumption.

The report recommends stricter regulation of alcohol sales, noting that restricting small pack sizes below 200 millilitres could reduce underage drinking. It also urged parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community members to take active roles in monitoring and preventing alcohol misuse.

“Consumption of alcohol by children should raise alarm for parents, teachers, religious leaders, and the community at large,” the survey stated, highlighting the need for targeted policy interventions and public awareness campaigns in both urban and rural communities.

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