Sachet Alcohol Ban Paused as FG Begins Review

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has ordered an immediate suspension of all enforcement activities related to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol products until further notice.

The directive follows a formal communication from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control regarding plans by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to enforce the ban.

In a statement released on Monday by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Terrence Kuanum, the OSGF disclosed that the correspondence—dated 13 November 2025 and signed by the committee’s Deputy Chairman, Uchenna Okonkwo—is currently under review. The statement noted that the matter is being considered in line with the OSGF’s statutory coordinating responsibility as Chairman of the Cabinet Secretariat.

Consequently, the OSGF directed that all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures connected to the proposed sachet alcohol ban be put on hold pending the completion of consultations and the issuance of a final directive. It further clarified that any enforcement carried out by NAFDAC or other agencies without clearance and resolution from the OSGF is invalid and should be disregarded by the public until an official decision is announced.

The office assured Nigerians that legislative resolutions, economic implications, public health concerns, and broader national interest considerations are being thoroughly examined to ensure a balanced, lawful, and well-coordinated outcome. It added that the public would be duly informed once a final position is reached.

The development comes after NAFDAC 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, said the move was intended to curb the misuse of low-cost alcohol among youths and drivers.

The SGF’s directive follows sustained pressure from the National Assembly, which has repeatedly urged NAFDAC to suspend enforcement in line with resolutions passed since 2024. A letter dated 1 December from the Permanent Secretary (General Services), Mohammed Danjuma, to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, and the NAFDAC Director-General highlighted concerns raised by the House Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control.

The letter requested comments to enable the SGF to make an informed decision, referencing the House committee’s earlier correspondence on the planned enforcement of the ban.

Earlier, the Senate had approved a 31 December 2025 phase-out deadline following a motion by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), who said the timeline was in line with global standards and aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm.