FG directs NAFDAC to halt enforcement of sachet alcohol ban
The Federal Authorities has directed the Nationwide Company for Meals and Drug Administration and Management (NAFDAC) to droop all enforcement actions related to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic drinks.
It additionally cautioned the company to instantly stop sealing factories and warehouses over the matter.
The directive was conveyed in a press release launched on Wednesday in Abuja by the particular adviser on public affairs to the Secretary to the Authorities of the Federation (SGF), Terrence Kuanum.
Kuanum defined that the choice adopted a joint intervention by the workplace of the SGF and the workplace of the nationwide safety adviser (NSA), each of which expressed concern in regards to the safety implications of continuous enforcement and not using a absolutely applied Nationwide Alcohol Coverage.
“Accordingly, all actions, selections, or enforcement measures regarding the continued ban on sachet alcohol are to be suspended pending the ultimate consultations and implementation of the Nationwide Alcohol Coverage and the issuance of a ultimate directive,” the assertion learn.
He famous that though the Nationwide Alcohol Coverage had been signed by the Federal Ministry of Well being consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s directive, each places of work maintained that NAFDAC should chorus from enforcement actions till the coverage is absolutely operational and additional directions are issued.
Such actions, the federal government mentioned, embody shutting down factories, sealing warehouses, and publicly advancing the sachet alcohol ban.
The assertion added that the continued sealing of warehouses and what it described as a “de facto ban” on sachet alcohol merchandise, and not using a harmonised coverage framework, was already resulting in {economic} disruptions and creating safety considerations, significantly because of its results on jobs, provide chains, and casual distribution networks throughout the nation.
Kuanum mentioned this stance reaffirmed an earlier directive from the SGF’s workplace in December 2025, which had paused all steps associated to the proposed ban pending consultations and a ultimate decision.
He additional disclosed that the SGF’s workplace obtained a letter from the Home of Representatives Committee on Meals and Medication Administration and Management dated November 13, 2025, expressing considerations over NAFDAC’s deliberate enforcement actions and referencing present Nationwide Meeting resolutions on the problem.
The letter, referenced NASS/10/HR/CT.53/77 and signed by the committee’s Deputy Chairman, Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo, highlighted considerations about NAFDAC’s proposed enforcement measures and pointed to prior legislative resolutions.
The federal authorities said that it’s presently reviewing legislative resolutions, public well being concerns, {economic} impacts, and broader nationwide curiosity points surrounding the matter.
It additionally famous that the involvement of the Nationwide Safety Adviser signifies the problem extends past regulatory considerations, warning that untimely enforcement with out coordinated coverage implementation might destabilise communities, improve unemployment, and heighten safety dangers.
The federal government assured Nigerians and business stakeholders {that a} ultimate determination can be introduced after complete consultations and inter-agency coordination, within the curiosity of public well being, {economic} stability, and nationwide safety.