- The Federal Government suspended NAFDAC’s enforcement of the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottles, citing security and economic concerns
- The directive halted factory closures and warehouse sealings pending full implementation of the National Alcohol Policy
- Officials warned that premature enforcement could disrupt jobs, supply chains and national stability
The Federal Government has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to suspend all enforcement actions relating to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic products, citing security and economic concerns.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Terrence Kuanum, confirmed that the agency had been instructed to halt factory closures, warehouse sealings and any public enforcement activities connected to the ban with immediate effect.
The directive follows a joint intervention by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). Both offices reportedly raised concerns about the potential security implications of continuing enforcement actions in the absence of 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.
Although the National Alcohol Policy has been signed by the Federal Ministry of Health in line with a directive from President Bola Tinubu, the SGF’s office and the NSA insisted that NAFDAC must refrain from enforcement measures until the policy is comprehensively implemented and further instructions are issued.
The Government clarified that the suspension covers factory shutdowns, the sealing of warehouses and what it described as the “de facto ban” on sachet alcohol products. According to the statement, such measures, implemented without a harmonised policy framework, have already begun to cause economic disruption. Officials warned that the impact on jobs, supply chains and informal distribution networks nationwide could heighten security risks.
Mr Kuanum noted that the latest position reinforces an earlier directive issued by the SGF’s office in December 2025, which had similarly called for a pause in enforcement pending consultations and a final decision.
He also disclosed that the SGF’s office had received correspondence from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control, dated 13 November 2025. The letter, referenced NASS/10/HR/CT.53/77 and signed by the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo, expressed concerns over NAFDAC’s proposed enforcement measures and drew attention to existing National Assembly resolutions on the matter.
The Federal Government stated that it is currently reviewing legislative resolutions, public health considerations, economic implications and broader national interest factors surrounding the proposed ban.
Officials emphasised that the involvement of the National Security Adviser underscores the gravity of the issue, suggesting it has moved beyond a purely regulatory concern. The Government warned that premature enforcement, without coordinated policy implementation, could destabilise communities, worsen unemployment and trigger wider security challenges.
It assured Nigerians and industry stakeholders that a final decision would be communicated following comprehensive consultations and inter-agency coordination, with due regard for public health, economic stability and national security.