The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) has ordered the immediate suspension of all enforcement actions related to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol products, pending further review.
SGF Directs Suspension of Sachet Alcohol Ban
The directive follows a formal request from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control, which raised concerns over the planned enforcement of the ban by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
According to a statement issued by the SGF’s Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Terrence Kuanum, the matter is currently under careful consideration.
NAFDAC Enforcement Put on Hold
The statement clarified that any enforcement action taken by NAFDAC or any other agency without proper clearance from the SGF’s office is invalid and should be disregarded by the public until a final decision is officially communicated.
“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,” the statement said.
Background to the Proposed Ban
The development comes shortly after NAFDAC announced plans to ban the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and bottles smaller than 200 millilitres by December 2025, citing concerns about alcohol abuse among youths and commercial drivers.
However, the proposal faced renewed pressure from the National Assembly, with lawmakers repeatedly urging NAFDAC to suspend the ban and allow for wider consultations.
National Assembly Intervention
A letter dated December 1, 2025, signed by the Permanent Secretary (General Services), Mohammed Danjuma, requested the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare and NAFDAC to submit their comments to enable the SGF to make an informed decision.
FG Assures Nigerians
The SGF assured Nigerians that the issue is being handled in a balanced, lawful, and well-coordinated manner, adding that the public will be duly informed once a final position is reached.
Until then, the government advised Nigerians to disregard any enforcement actions relating to the sachet alcohol ban.
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