The Federal Government has ordered the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to immediately suspend all enforcement activities connected to the planned ban on sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks packaged in 200ml PET bottles.
The directive, which includes halting the sealing of factories and warehouses, was announced in Abuja through a statement by Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
According to the statement, the decision followed a joint intervention by the Office of the SGF and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Both offices expressed concern about the security implications of enforcing the ban before the full implementation of the National Alcohol Policy.
National Alcohol Policy
The government made it clear that all enforcement measures related to the sachet alcohol restriction must be put on hold pending the conclusion of consultations and the proper rollout of the National Alcohol Policy.
This includes factory closures, warehouse shutdowns, and public communications suggesting that the ban has already taken effect.
Although the Federal Ministry of Health had earlier signed the National Alcohol Policy in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive, the SGF’s office stressed that enforcement cannot proceed until the policy framework is fully operational and new directives are formally issued.
Officials warned that what they described as a “de facto ban” was already disrupting economic activities across the country.
The enforcement actions, the government said, were affecting jobs, supply chains, and informal distribution networks, raising fears of broader social and security consequences.
Wider Consultations
The statement also disclosed that as far back as December 2025, the SGF had instructed that all actions concerning the proposed ban be suspended pending wider consultations and a final decision.
Additionally, the SGF’s office received correspondence dated November 13, 2025, from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control.
The letter, signed by Deputy Chairman Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo and referenced NASS/10/HR/CT.53/77, raised concerns about NAFDAC’s enforcement plans and cited existing National Assembly resolutions on the matter.
The government said it is currently weighing multiple considerations — including legislative resolutions, public health priorities, economic impact, and national interest — before announcing a final position.
The involvement of the National Security Adviser, the statement noted, signals that the issue has expanded beyond regulatory enforcement to include broader security concerns.
Authorities cautioned that moving ahead without coordinated policy implementation could destabilize communities, increase unemployment, and heighten security risks.
Also Read: CAC Free Business Name Registration: What Every Small Business Owner Must Know
The Federal Government assured citizens and industry stakeholders that a final, well-coordinated decision will be communicated after comprehensive consultations, with the goal of safeguarding public health while preserving economic stability and national security.