Nigeria’s federal government has ordered a suspension of all enforcement actions on a proposed ban on sachet alcohol, pending consultations with lawmakers and a final directive from the presidency’s coordinating office.
The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation said it is reviewing a letter from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control, which referenced existing National Assembly resolutions on the issue.
Until that process is concluded, all actions by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, or any other agency, related to the ban must be put on hold, the office said in a statement dated December 15.
Read also: CPPE opposes senate proposal to raise excise duty on non-alcoholic beverages
“Any action or enforcement undertaken by NAFDAC or any other agency on this matter without due clearance … is of no effect and should be disregarded by the public,” the statement said.
The directive underscores growing scrutiny of the economic and social impact of a sachet alcohol ban, which has drawn opposition from manufacturers and distributors who warn of job losses and disruptions across informal retail channels.
Public health advocates, meanwhile, have pushed for stricter controls, citing concerns over underage drinking and abuse.
Read also:Senate moves to halt further extension of sachet alcohol ban
The government said it is weighing legislative resolutions alongside economic implications, public health concerns and broader national interest considerations before reaching a final position.
The public will be informed once a decision is made, the statement said.
The move comes after NAFDAC announced that production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and bottles smaller than 200 millilitres would be prohibited by December 2025.
Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency’s director-general, said the decision was aimed at addressing the misuse of cheap alcoholic drinks among youths and drivers.
The SGF’s directive follows renewed pressure from the National Assembly, which has repeatedly asked NAFDAC to suspend the enforcement of the ban in line with resolutions passed since 2024.
NAFDAC has not yet commented on the suspension as of the
