Nigeria has halted sachet alcohol ban enforcement after a parliamentary request, with the SGF ordering a pause pending consultations
The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has ordered an immediate suspension of all enforcement actions connected to the proposed sachet alcohol ban, directing regulators to halt implementation until further notice.
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The directive was issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation following a formal correspondence from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control regarding plans by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to enforce the ban.
In a statement released on Monday, the Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Terrence Kuanum, said the letter, dated 13 November 2025 and signed by the committee’s Deputy Chairman, Uchenna Okonkwo, was currently under review.
The statement noted that the Office was considering the matter in line with its statutory coordinating role as Chairman of the Cabinet Secretariat.
The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation accordingly directed that all actions, decisions and enforcement measures relating to the proposed ban be suspended pending consultations and the issuance of a final directive.
The statement further clarified that any enforcement action taken by NAFDAC or any other agency without clearance from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation was of no effect and should be disregarded by the public until an official decision is communicated.
The move follows mounting pressure from the National Assembly, which has repeatedly urged regulators to suspend implementation in line with resolutions passed since 2024.
A letter dated 1 December from the Permanent Secretary for General Services, Mohammed Danjuma, to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, and NAFDAC Director General, Mojisola Adeyeye, cited concerns raised by lawmakers.
NAFDAC had earlier announced that the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and containers smaller than 200 millilitres would be prohibited from December 2025.
Adeyeye said the measure was intended to curb the misuse of cheap alcoholic drinks among youths and commercial drivers.
The Senate had previously approved a 31 December 2025 phase out deadline after a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong of Cross River South, who argued that the timeline aligned with global standards and would reduce alcohol related harm.
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The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation said all legislative resolutions, economic implications, public health concerns and national interest considerations were being carefully examined to ensure a balanced and lawful outcome, adding that Nigerians would be informed once a final decision was reached.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
