NAFDAC refutes suspension claims, says sachet alcohol ban stands
The Nationwide Company for Meals and Drug Administration and Management (NAFDAC) has dismissed media studies claiming that the Federal Authorities directed it to droop enforcement of the ban on sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks packaged in PET bottles beneath 200ml.
In a press release issued by its Director-Common/CEO, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the company described the studies as false, deceptive, and never reflective of any official communication from the Federal Authorities.
Prof. Adeyeye said that the company operates strictly inside its statutory mandate and according to formally communicated Federal Authorities insurance policies.
She confused that NAFDAC has not acquired any directive to droop its enforcement actions.
In keeping with her, NAFDAC has already commenced evacuating violative sachet alcohol and sub-200ml PET alcoholic merchandise from corporations.
She additionally famous that some producers, having acknowledged that the coverage is geared toward defending minors, have begun discontinuing production of the smaller pack sizes.
Adeyeye cited information indicating that about 50% of minors and underage individuals patronise retailers promoting alcohol in sachets and small PET bottles.
She reaffirmed the company’s dedication to safeguarding public well being, making certain regulatory compliance, and implementing authorities insurance policies transparently and in accordance with due course of.
The company cautioned in opposition to the unfold of unverified info able to fueling misinformation and misinterpretation of presidency coverage, urging the general public and stakeholders to depend on its official communication channels.
NAFDAC started implementing the ban on alcohol offered in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 200ml on February 1, 2024. The transfer was launched to deal with well being dangers and curb widespread abuse of low-cost, simply accessible alcoholic drinks, significantly amongst minors and weak {groups}.
The company later suspended enforcement and prolonged implementation to December 31, 2025.
Earlier studies had urged that the Federal Authorities, by means of the Workplace of the Secretary to the Authorities of the Federation, ordered NAFDAC to droop enforcement and cease sealing factories and warehouses. NAFDAC has now publicly denied receiving such instruction.
The continued enforcement of the ban might have important {economic} implications. The Producers Affiliation of Nigeria (MAN) beforehand warned that the coverage might threaten over 500,000 direct jobs and about 5 million oblique jobs, whereas placing investments estimated at ₦1.9 trillion in danger.
There are additionally considerations about potential income losses from lowered excise duties and taxes, in addition to the chance that restrictions might gas the rise of counterfeit and illicit alcohol merchandise.
Nevertheless, proponents of the ban, together with NAFDAC, argue that proscribing sachet and small-volume alcohol reduces easy accessibility for underage people and helps curb alcohol abuse, dependancy, and associated well being and social issues.
In Might 2026, NAFDAC clarified that the sooner short-term lifting of the ban was solely legitimate till December 31, 2025, and was not a everlasting reversal.
The company reiterated that sachet alcohol merchandise containing lower than 200ml can be phased out according to its regulatory and public well being targets.