The Federal Government has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to suspend all enforcement actions linked to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic products.
The government also warned the agency to immediately stop sealing factories and warehouses over the matter.
This was contained in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Terrence Kuanum.
According to Kuanum, the directive followed a joint intervention by the Office of the SGF and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), which raised concerns about the security implications of continued enforcement, especially since the National Alcohol Policy has not been fully implemented.
“Accordingly, all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures relating to the ongoing ban on sachet alcohol are to be suspended pending the final consultations and implementation of the National Alcohol Policy and the issuance of a final directive,” the statement said.
Kuanum explained that although the National Alcohol Policy had already been signed by the Federal Ministry of Health, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive, both the SGF and NSA insisted that NAFDAC must halt enforcement actions until the policy is fully implemented and further instructions are issued.
The government said such enforcement measures include shutting down factories, sealing warehouses and pushing public messaging that suggests the ban is already in effect.
It warned that the continued sealing of warehouses and what it described as a “de facto ban” without a clear and coordinated policy framework was already creating economic disruption and potential security risks. The statement noted that the situation could affect jobs, supply chains and informal distribution networks across the country.
Kuanum also stated that this directive reinforces an earlier order issued by the SGF’s office in December 2025, which had already suspended all actions on the proposed ban pending consultations and a final decision.
He further disclosed that the SGF’s office received a letter from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control dated November 13, 2025, expressing concerns over NAFDAC’s planned enforcement actions.
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The letter, referenced NASS/10/HR/CT.53/77 and signed by the committee’s Deputy Chairman, Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo, drew attention to existing National Assembly resolutions on the issue.
The Federal Government said it is currently reviewing legislative resolutions, public health concerns, economic implications and national interest factors surrounding the proposed ban.
It added that the involvement of the National Security Adviser shows the matter has moved beyond regulatory issues, warning that premature enforcement could destabilise communities, worsen unemployment and trigger security challenges.
The government assured Nigerians and industry stakeholders that a final decision will be announced after full consultations and inter-agency coordination, in the interest of public health, economic stability and national security.
