The Federal Government has ordered the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to suspend all enforcement measures related to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic beverages.
The directive also instructs the agency to immediately halt the sealing of factories and warehouses over the matter.
Announcing the order on Wednesday in Abuja, Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said it follows a joint intervention by the offices of the SGF and the National Security Adviser.
The intervention highlighted security risks and economic disruptions that could arise from continuing enforcement in the absence of a fully implemented National Alcohol Policy.
“Accordingly, all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures relating to the ongoing ban on sachet alcohol are to be suspended pending the final consultations and implementation of the National Alcohol Policy and the issuance of a final directive,” the statement read.
Kuanum noted that while the Federal Ministry of Health had signed the policy in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive, both offices emphasized that enforcement must remain suspended until the policy is fully operational and additional instructions are issued. He added that these measures include factory closures, warehouse sealing, and public campaigns promoting the ban.
The government stressed that ongoing enforcement, including the sealing of warehouses and what it termed a “de facto ban,” was causing economic disruptions and creating security risks. The actions were affecting jobs, supply chains, and informal distribution networks across the country.
This directive reinforces an earlier position from the SGF’s office in December 2025, which suspended all enforcement actions pending consultations and a final decision.
In addition, the SGF’s office received a letter from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control, dated November 13, 2025, expressing concerns over NAFDAC’s planned enforcement measures. The letter, referenced NASS/10/HR/CT.53/77 and signed by Deputy Chairman Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo, drew attention to existing National Assembly resolutions on the matter.
In reviewing the matter, the Federal Government said it was considering legislative resolutions, public health concerns, economic implications, and broader national interest factors before issuing further directives.