FG Suspends NAFDAC Sachet Alcohol Ban

The Federal Government of Nigeria has ordered the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to immediately suspend all enforcement actions tied to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic drinks nationwide.

The directive also halts factory closures, warehouse sealing, and related measures connected to the policy’s implementation.

The statement, issued on Wednesday in Abuja by Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said the decision followed joint interventions by the Office of the SGF and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). Both offices raised concerns about premature enforcement 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 President Bola Tinubu’s directive, officials insisted that NAFDAC must refrain from enforcement until the policy framework is fully operational and further government directives are issued.

The government warned that continued enforcement, described by critics as amounting to a “de facto ban”, was already causing economic disruption and posing security risks, particularly through its impact on jobs, supply chains, and informal distribution networks across the country.

Kuanum noted that the latest suspension reinforces an earlier SGF order from December 2025, which similarly paused enforcement measures pending broader consultations and a final policy direction.

The SGF’s office has also received inputs from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control, which referenced legislative resolutions on the matter.

The Federal Government said it is reviewing legislative resolutions, public health objectives, economic realities, and national interest considerations before issuing a final decision. The involvement of the NSA underscores the broader implications of the issue beyond regulatory compliance.

Officials assured industry stakeholders and the public that a final position will be communicated after comprehensive consultations, with due regard for public health, economic stability, and national security.