The Federal Government has directed an immediate suspension of the planned enforcement of the ban on sachet alcohol pending a final review of the policy.
The directive was issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation following concerns raised by the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control over the implementation of the ban by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the SGF on Public Affairs, Terrence Kuanum, the Office of the SGF announced that all enforcement actions, decisions, or directives connected to the sachet alcohol ban have been put on hold until consultations and reviews are concluded.
The statement clarified that any enforcement action taken by NAFDAC or any other agency without clearance from the Office of the SGF should be considered invalid and disregarded by the public.
According to the statement, the suspension is in line with the SGF’s coordinating role as Chairman of the Cabinet Secretariat and is aimed at allowing a comprehensive review that takes into account legislative resolutions, public health considerations, economic implications, and the broader national interest.
The decision follows correspondence from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control, which urged the Federal Government to suspend enforcement pending further engagement with stakeholders.
The ban, which was expected to take effect by December 2025, was intended to prohibit the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and bottles smaller than 200 millilitres, a move that has generated widespread debate across the country.
The Office of the SGF assured Nigerians that a final position on the policy would be communicated after the review process is completed.
Edited by Olaolu Fawole, Volunteer Editor
