FG SUSPENDS NAFDAC’S PROPOSED BAN ON SACHET ALCOHOL PRODUCTS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate suspension of all actions and enforcement measures related to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol products by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The directive, issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), places the controversial policy on hold pending the conclusion of consultations and the announcement of a final government position.
According to a statement released on Monday, December 15, the decision followed official correspondence from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control. The letter, dated November 13, 2025, was signed by the committee’s Deputy Chairman, Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, and drew attention to existing resolutions of the National Assembly on the matter.
The OSGF explained that the issue is currently under review in line with its statutory role as Chairman of the Cabinet Secretariat. As a result, all relevant agencies have been directed to halt enforcement actions and suspend any decisions linked to the ban until consultations are completed and a final directive is issued.
“For the avoidance of doubt, any action or enforcement undertaken by NAFDAC or any other agency on this matter without due clearance and resolution by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is of no effect and should be disregarded by the public,” the statement said.
The Federal Government noted that the suspension was informed by the need for a comprehensive and balanced review of all relevant considerations, including legislative resolutions, economic implications, public health concerns and the broader national interest.
It assured the public that a final decision would be communicated once the review process is concluded.
The statement was signed by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Terrence Kuanum.
The proposed sachet alcohol ban has been a subject of intense public debate, rooted in longstanding concerns over the widespread availability of low-cost alcoholic drinks sold in sachets and small PET bottles. Regulators had argued that the products were easily accessible to minors and vulnerable groups, contributing to alcohol abuse, road accidents and other social challenges.
However, labour unions, traders and manufacturers have opposed the ban, warning of potential job losses, business closures and economic disruption. The growing controversy eventually attracted legislative attention, culminating in the Federal Government’s decision to suspend enforcement pending further review.
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