Key Points

• Sachet alcohol ban enforcement paused nationwide.

• SGF orders suspension pending final review.

• Sachet alcohol ban outcome awaits consultations.

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has ordered an immediate suspension of all enforcement actions connected to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol products, pending further review and consultations.

The directive follows a formal correspondence from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control, which raised concerns over the planned enforcement of the ban by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

In a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the SGF, Terrence Kuanum, the office confirmed that the letter, dated November 13, 2025, and signed by the committee’s deputy chairman, Uchenna Okonkwo, is currently under consideration.

Enforcement halted pending SGF review

According to the statement, the SGF directed that “all actions, decisions or enforcement measures relating to the proposed sachet alcohol ban be suspended pending the conclusion of consultations and the issuance of a final directive.” The office said the review is being conducted in line with its statutory coordinating role as chairman of the Cabinet Secretariat.

The statement further clarified that any enforcement action taken by NAFDAC or any other government agency on the matter without clearance from the SGF would be deemed invalid and should be disregarded by the public until an official decision is communicated.

The OSGF assured Nigerians that the review process would take into account legislative resolutions, economic implications, public health considerations and broader national interest concerns to ensure a balanced and lawful outcome.

NAFDAC ban plans draw legislative scrutiny

NAFDAC had earlier announced plans to prohibit the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and bottles smaller than 200 millilitres by December 2025. The agency said the measure was designed to curb the widespread misuse of low-cost alcoholic drinks, particularly among youths and commercial drivers.

The proposal, however, has faced sustained pushback from lawmakers, who have raised concerns about its economic impact, including potential job losses and disruptions to small-scale manufacturers and distributors.

The SGF’s directive comes amid renewed pressure from the National Assembly, which has repeatedly called on NAFDAC to suspend enforcement in line with resolutions passed since 2024.

National Assembly pushes coordinated approach

A December 1 letter from the Permanent Secretary (General Services), Mohammed Danjuma, to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, and the NAFDAC Director-General referenced concerns raised by the House committee and requested comments to enable the SGF to take an informed decision.

Earlier, the Senate approved a December 31, 2025, phase-out timeline following a motion by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong of Cross River South, who said the deadline aligned with global standards aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm.

The SGF’s intervention signals a coordinated federal review of the policy as consultations continue across regulatory and legislative bodies.