The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised fresh concerns over the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, warning that its abuse poses serious risks to public health and can contribute to wider social problems.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday,Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the country had for years struggled with weak regulation and the circulation of substandard and falsified medicines, noting that some of the challenges affecting the pharmaceutical sector were created locally.

“For many years, we were not using international standards. We allowed a lot of things that shouldn’t be allowed into the country to come in… In terms of substandard falsified medicines, we created them in this country.

“Decades ago, we had controlled patent medicine dealers, and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria is mandated to be the agency in control of that. That responsibility was taken from the council for many years, and by the time it was returned, the country was flooded with illiterates about handling medicine, which is part of why we have an open drugs market. The problems that have been there for decades cannot be changed overnight, but we are changing it.”

Adeyeye’s remarks come against the backdrop of concerns over the health and social consequences associated with alcohol consumption, including the potential damage excessive drinking can cause to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.

NAFDAC has continued to advocate stronger regulation of products that pose risks to public health, while urging Nigerians to exercise greater caution over substances they consume.

The agency has also raised concerns about the accessibility of alcoholic beverages, particularly products sold in small sachets and other easily accessible packaging.

According to the agency, greater accessibility can encourage excessive consumption, particularly among young people and other vulnerable groups.

Beyond the immediate effects of intoxication, prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption can expose individuals to serious health complications and place additional pressure on families and the healthcare system.

NAFDAC’s position highlights the need for stronger regulatory enforcement, public awareness and responsible consumption as the country continues efforts to address products and practices capable of undermining public health.

The agency maintained that addressing longstanding regulatory challenges will require sustained action, noting that problems that have existed for decades cannot be resolved overnight.