The Federal Government has instructed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to suspend all enforcement activities connected to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and alcoholic products packaged in 200ml PET bottles.
It also cautioned the agency to immediately cease sealing factories and warehouses in relation to the matter.
The directive was announced in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Terrence Kuanum.
Kuanum explained that the decision followed a joint intervention by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Office of the National Security Adviser, both of which expressed concerns about the security implications of continuing enforcement without a fully implemented National Alcohol Policy.
“Accordingly, all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures relating to the ongoing ban on sachet alcohol are to be suspended pending the final consultations and implementation of the National Alcohol Policy and the issuance of a final directive,” the statement read.
He noted that although the National Alcohol Policy had been approved by the Federal Ministry of Health in line with a directive from President Bola Tinubu, both offices maintained that NAFDAC must refrain from any enforcement measures until the policy is fully implemented and further instructions are issued.
The government clarified that such enforcement actions include shutting down factories, sealing warehouses, and publicly promoting the sachet alcohol ban.
According to the statement, the ongoing sealing of warehouses and what it described as a “de facto ban” on sachet alcohol products, without a coordinated policy framework, has already led to economic disruptions and heightened security concerns, particularly due to its effects on employment, supply chains, and informal distribution networks across the country.
Kuanum stated that the latest position reaffirmed an earlier directive issued by the SGF’s office in December 2025, which put all actions related to the proposed ban on hold pending consultations and a final determination.
He added that the SGF’s office had also received a letter dated November 13, 2025, from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control, expressing concerns about NAFDAC’s proposed enforcement measures and citing existing resolutions of the National Assembly on the matter.
The correspondence, referenced NASS/10/HR/CT.53/77 and signed by the committee’s Deputy Chairman, Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo, highlighted concerns regarding NAFDAC’s intended enforcement steps and pointed to standing resolutions of the National Assembly on the issue.
The Federal Government stated that it is currently reviewing legislative resolutions, public health factors, economic consequences, and broader national interest considerations related to the issue.
It further explained that the involvement of the National Security Adviser indicates that the matter extends beyond regulatory issues, cautioning that premature enforcement without a coordinated policy rollout could disrupt communities, increase unemployment, and create security challenges.
The government assured Nigerians and industry stakeholders that a final decision would be announced after thorough consultations and inter-agency coordination, with due regard for public health, economic stability, and national security.
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