The federal government has ordered an immediate halt to all enforcement measures relating to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol products by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), pending further consultations and a final directive.
The directive, issued on Monday, comes from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) following a formal correspondence from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control.
The letter, dated November 13, 2025, and signed by the committee’s Deputy Chairman, Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, highlighted existing National Assembly resolutions concerning the proposed ban.
In its statement, the OSGF explained that the correspondence is under review in line with its statutory role as the coordinating body of the Cabinet Secretariat.
“All decisions, actions, or enforcement relating to the sachet alcohol ban are suspended until consultations are concluded and a final directive is issued,” the statement said.
The office also advised the public to disregard any enforcement activity by NAFDAC or other agencies conducted without OSGF clearance, as such actions would be considered invalid until officially confirmed.
The statement emphasised that legislative resolutions, economic considerations, public health concerns, and broader national interests are being carefully examined to ensure a balanced outcome.
The public will be notified once a final decision is reached. The announcement was signed by Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs, OSGF, and dated December 15, 2025.
The debate over the ban has been ongoing for several years, driven by public health concerns over the widespread availability of ultra-cheap alcohol in sachets and PET bottles.
Regulators have highlighted the risks posed to minors and vulnerable populations, linking the products to alcohol abuse, road accidents, domestic violence, and long-term health complications.
NAFDAC had previously indicated its intention to restrict the sale of sachet alcohol through stakeholder engagements and policy pronouncements, framing the move as a necessary step to protect public health.
