The Nigerian federal government has ordered the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to immediately suspend all enforcement actions related to the controversial ban on sachet alcohol and alcoholic beverages in 200 ml PET bottles.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the government directed NAFDAC to stop sealing factories and warehouses over the policy, warning that continued enforcement in the absence of a full policy implementation could disrupt the economy and pose security risks.
The directive, signed by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Terrence Kuanum, follows an earlier intervention by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
It mandates that enforcement be put on hold pending the finalisation of consultations and implementation of the National Alcohol Policy.
Although the National Alcohol Policy has been signed by the Federal Ministry of Health in line with President Bola Tinubu’s instructions, both offices have emphasised that NAFDAC must refrain from enforcement measures until the policy framework is fully in place and additional directives are issued.
Government Cites Economic and Security Concerns
According to the government, actions such as factory shutdowns and warehouse sealing — which have been part of NAFDAC’s enforcement — were causing economic disruptions, affecting jobs and supply chains, particularly in informal sectors across the country.
The government added that carrying on without a harmonised policy could destabilise communities and worsen security challenges.
A letter from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drug Administration and Control, dated November 13, 2025, had previously raised concerns about premature enforcement and referenced existing legislative resolutions on the matter, prompting further review by the federal government.
The proposed sachet alcohol ban, long championed by NAFDAC and public health advocates as a move to curb underage drinking and alcohol abuse, has been the subject of intense debate.
The agency had announced plans to enforce a ban on alcohol packaged in sachets and containers smaller than 200 ml, citing public health concerns and accessibility issues.
However, industry groups such as the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) warned that the ban could threaten jobs and revenue, urging the federal government to intervene.
Earlier enforcement actions by NAFDAC, including factory closures and product seizures, drew protests from distillers and manufacturers who fear job losses and economic harm.
