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Students are gradually embracing sachet alcoholic drinks

Students are gradually embracing sachet alcoholic drinks

There’s a growing concern among parents, teachers, and the government about primary and secondary school students in Nigeria drinking alcohol from small sachets. These drinks are cheap, costing between N50 and N200, making them easy for kids to buy. They’re known by names like Shepe, Alomo, and Raga.

On February 1, 2024, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) began enforcing a ban on selling alcohol in sachets or small bottles after a five-year delay. This ban was part of an agreement made in December 2018 among various health organizations and industry groups to stop producing these smaller packages.

However, soon after the ban started, a government committee suggested that NAFDAC pause the enforcement. Reports indicate that students are still consuming these alcoholic drinks in places like Lagos and other areas. They can find them easily in shops, parks, and supermarkets.

A community leader in Lagos, Baale Durosimi Kukoyi, criticized the drink producers for making these products so cheap and accessible. He noted that if the prices were higher, students might not be able to afford them. Instead of enjoying typical snacks or soft drinks after school, many students are now seen drinking these sachet alcohols.

A teacher in Lagos mentioned that parents also need to do a better job of setting good examples for their children.

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