- FG Suspends NAFDAC Enforcement On Sachet Alcohol Ban
- Decision followed security and economic concerns raised.
- Final directive pending full National Alcohol Policy implementation.
The Federal Government on Wednesday directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to suspend all enforcement actions linked to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic products.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that
The directive was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Terrence Kuanum. The government also ordered the agency to halt the sealing of factories and warehouses over the matter.
According to the statement, 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, which raised concerns about the security implications of enforcing the ban 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.
Kuanum said although the National Alcohol Policy had been signed by the Federal Ministry of Health in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu, NAFDAC must refrain from enforcement until full implementation and fresh directives are issued.
The suspension covers factory shutdowns, warehouse sealing and public pronouncements reinforcing the sachet alcohol ban.
The government warned that continued enforcement without a harmonised policy framework was already causing economic disruptions, affecting jobs, supply chains and informal distribution networks nationwide. It added that unchecked actions could pose security risks.
The statement disclosed that the SGF’s office had earlier, in December 2025, ordered a suspension pending consultations and a final decision. It also referenced a November 13, 2025 letter from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control, signed by Deputy Chairman Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo, which cited National Assembly resolutions.
The government assured stakeholders that a final position would follow further consultations in the interest of public health, economic stability and national security.
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