The Federal Government has suspended all enforcement actions connected to the proposed ban on sachet alcoholic drinks, pending a comprehensive review and further consultations.
The directive was issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) following correspondence from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control regarding the planned implementation of the ban by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
In a statement released on Monday by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Terrence Kuanum, the OSGF disclosed that a letter dated November 13, 2025, and signed by the committee’s deputy chairman, Uchenna Okonkwo, is currently under consideration. The office noted that the matter is being reviewed in line with its constitutional role as the coordinating body of the Federal Executive Council.
As a result, the OSGF directed that all decisions, actions, and enforcement measures relating to the proposed sachet alcohol ban be put on hold until consultations are concluded and a final directive is issued. It further clarified that any enforcement carried out by NAFDAC or other agencies without official clearance from the OSGF should be regarded as invalid and ignored by the public until an official decision is announced.
The Federal Government assured Nigerians that the review process would take into account legislative resolutions, public health concerns, economic implications, and the overall national interest. According to the statement, the public will be duly informed once a final position is reached.
NAFDAC had earlier announced plans to prohibit the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and bottles below 200 millilitres by December 2025. The agency’s Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, explained that the move was aimed at reducing the abuse of cheap alcohol, particularly among young people and commercial drivers.
However, the directive from the SGF followed renewed pressure from the National Assembly, which has repeatedly urged NAFDAC to suspend enforcement in line with resolutions passed since 2024. A letter dated December 1, written by the Permanent Secretary for General Services, Mohammed Danjuma, to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, and the NAFDAC leadership, referenced concerns raised by the House committee and requested input to guide an informed decision by the SGF.
Earlier, the Senate had approved December 31, 2025, as a phase-out deadline after a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong of Cross River South, who argued that the timeline aligned with international standards and was intended to address alcohol-related harm.
With the latest directive, enforcement of the sachet alcohol ban remains suspended until the Federal Government concludes its review and issues a definitive policy direction.
