FG Suspends NAFDAC Sachet Alcohol Ban enforcement, halting factory shutdowns and warehouse sealing pending policy consultations
The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to suspend all enforcement actions relating to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic products.
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The directive was issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Terrence Kuanum.
The FG Suspends NAFDAC Sachet Alcohol Ban decision also ordered the agency to immediately stop sealing factories and warehouses over the proposed restriction.
Terrence Kuanum stated that the order 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 offices raised concerns over the security implications of continued 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.
Although the Federal Ministry of Health had signed the National Alcohol Policy in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu, the government insisted that NAFDAC must refrain from further enforcement until the policy is fully operational and additional directives are issued.
The suspension covers factory shutdowns, warehouse sealing and public emphasis on the sachet alcohol ban.
According to the statement, the continued sealing of warehouses and what it described as a de facto ban had already triggered economic disruptions.
The government warned that the actions were affecting jobs, supply chains and informal distribution networks nationwide.
Terrence Kuanum said the position reinforced an earlier directive issued by the SGF’s office in December 2025, which had suspended all actions relating to the proposed ban pending consultations and a final decision.
The SGF’s office also acknowledged receiving a letter from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control dated November 13, 2025.
The letter, referenced NASS/10/HR/CT.53/77 and signed by Deputy Chairman Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo, raised concerns over NAFDAC’s proposed enforcement actions and cited existing resolutions of the National Assembly on the matter.
The Federal Government stated that it is reviewing legislative resolutions, public health considerations, economic implications and broader national interest factors before reaching a final decision.
Officials stressed that the involvement of the National Security Adviser underscores the gravity of the issue.
The government warned that premature enforcement without coordinated policy implementation could destabilise communities, worsen unemployment and heighten security risks.
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The government assured Nigerians and industry stakeholders that a final directive would be communicated after consultations and inter-agency coordination, in the interest of public health, economic stability and national security.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
