FG Suspends NAFDAC Enforcement on Sachet Alcohol Ban Following Reps’ Intervention

The Federal Government has ordered the immediate suspension of all actions connected to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic beverages, following the intervention of the House of Representatives.

The directive, issued through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), mandates that all enforcement measures be put on hold pending the completion of consultations and the release of a final government position on the matter.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the SGF, Terrence Kuanum, disclosed that the office received an official letter from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control dated November 13, 2025.

The letter, with reference number NASS/10/HR/CT.53/77, was signed by the committee’s Deputy Chairman, Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, and expressed concerns over the planned enforcement of the ban by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

According to the OSGF, the correspondence highlighted existing resolutions of the National Assembly on the issue, which are currently under review in line with the SGF’s statutory responsibility as Chairman of the Cabinet Secretariat.

“Accordingly, all actions, decisions or enforcement measures related to the proposed sachet alcohol ban are to be suspended pending the conclusion of consultations and the issuance of a final directive,” the statement said.

The OSGF further clarified that any enforcement action taken by NAFDAC or any other agency without proper clearance and resolution from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation would be considered invalid and should be disregarded by the public until an official decision is announced.

The office assured Nigerians that it is carefully reviewing all relevant factors, including legislative resolutions, economic implications, public health concerns and the broader national interest, with the aim of achieving a balanced, lawful and well-coordinated outcome.

It added that the public would be appropriately informed once a final decision on the matter is reached.