The Federal Government has ordered a sachet alcohol ban suspension, halting NAFDAC enforcement pending legislative and policy reviews
The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has ordered an immediate suspension of all enforcement actions linked to the proposed sachet alcohol ban.
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The directive affects measures planned by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and remains in force until further notice.
The decision followed an official correspondence from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control regarding the proposed enforcement.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Terrence Kuanum, the Office said the letter, dated November 13, 2025, is under active review.
The correspondence was signed by the committee’s Deputy Chairman, Uchenna Okonkwo.
The statement said the Office is considering the issue in line with its statutory coordinating role as Chairman of the Cabinet Secretariat.
Accordingly, the Office directed that all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures related to the sachet alcohol ban be suspended pending consultations and a final directive.
It added that any enforcement carried out by NAFDAC or other agencies without clearance would be invalid and should be disregarded by the public.
The Office assured Nigerians that legislative resolutions, economic implications, public health concerns, and national interest considerations are under careful review.
It said the public would be informed once a final position is reached.
NAFDAC had earlier announced plans to prohibit the production and sale of alcoholic drinks in sachets and bottles below 200 millilitres by December 2025.
The agency’s Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, said the move targeted alcohol misuse among youths and commercial drivers.
The suspension follows sustained pressure from the National Assembly, which has repeatedly urged NAFDAC to halt enforcement based on resolutions passed since 2024.
A December 1 letter from the Permanent Secretary, General Services, Mohammed Danjuma, sought comments from the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, and the NAFDAC Director-General.
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The Senate had earlier approved a December 31, 2025, phase-out deadline, aligning with global standards to curb alcohol-related harm.
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.
