FG Orders NAFDAC to Suspend Enforcement of Sachet Alcohol Ban
By Momodu Favour
The Federal Government has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to suspend all enforcement actions relating to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and alcoholic products packaged in 200ml PET bottles.
The government also warned the agency to immediately halt the sealing of factories and warehouses linked to the policy.
The directive was conveyed in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Terrence Kuanum.
According to the statement, the decision followed a joint intervention by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which raised concerns over the security implications of continuing enforcement without the full implementation of a comprehensive National Alcohol Policy.
Kuanum explained that while the government remains committed to regulating alcohol consumption and addressing public health concerns, enforcement actions must align with broader national security and socio-economic considerations.
“The Federal Government has directed NAFDAC to suspend all enforcement activities related to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic beverages. The agency is also to immediately stop the sealing of factories and warehouses over the matter,” the statement read.
The intervention, he said, became necessary to prevent disruptions that could arise from the closure of production facilities, including potential job losses and supply chain challenges.
The government stressed that the move does not amount to a cancellation of regulatory efforts but rather a temporary measure aimed at ensuring proper coordination and stakeholder engagement before full implementation.
Industry stakeholders had expressed concerns over the impact of the ban on manufacturers, distributors, and small-scale retailers, many of whom depend on the production and sale of sachet alcoholic beverages for their livelihoods.
NAFDAC had earlier intensified enforcement measures against manufacturers and distributors in line with its plan to phase out sachet and small-volume alcoholic products, citing public health risks and concerns over youth access to alcohol.
However, the latest directive signals a pause in enforcement pending further consultations and policy harmonisation.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to responsible alcohol regulation and urged all relevant agencies and stakeholders to work collaboratively towards a balanced approach that safeguards public health while maintaining economic stability.
