The Federal Government has ordered the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to suspend its nationwide crackdown on sachet alcohol and small-sized alcoholic drinks, directing the agency to immediately reopen sealed factories, depots and warehouses.
The directive, issued by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, followed concerns that the enforcement actions amounted to a “de facto ban” capable of triggering job losses, disrupting supply chains and heightening social tensions across the country.
In a statement on Wednesday by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Terrence Kuanum, the government said the decision was reached after high-level consultations involving the Offices of the SGF and the National Security Adviser.
According to him, both offices expressed reservations about the timing and implementation strategy of the restriction, warning that enforcing it without a fully operational National Alcohol Policy could produce unintended economic and security consequences.
“Consequently, all enforcement activities and related decisions concerning the sachet alcohol restriction are hereby suspended pending the conclusion of consultations and the proper implementation of the National Alcohol Policy, alongside further government directives,” the statement read.
Although the National Alcohol Policy has already been endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Health in line with the President’s directive, the government said implementation must not proceed until the framework is fully harmonised and operational.
It specifically instructed NAFDAC to halt factory closures, warehouse sealings and public communications suggesting an outright ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottled drinks.
The government noted that the ongoing enforcement actions had already begun to disrupt supply chains, particularly within informal distribution networks that rely on low-cost alcoholic products, warning that the situation could worsen unemployment and economic strain if left unchecked.
Kuanum said the directive reaffirmed an earlier instruction issued by the SGF’s office in
December 2025, which had called for a pause on the proposed ban pending broader stakeholder engagement and a final policy decision.
He also disclosed that the Office of the SGF received a letter from the House of
Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control dated November 13, 2025, drawing attention to National Assembly resolutions on the issue and urging caution in enforcement.
The Federal Government said it was now reviewing the matter holistically, taking into account legislative inputs, public health objectives, economic realities and the broader national interest.
It added that the involvement of the National Security Adviser underscored the wider implications of the issue beyond regulatory compliance, stressing that policies capable of triggering unemployment or instability must be carefully evaluated.
The government assured industry operators and the public that a final decision would be announced after comprehensive consultations and inter-agency coordination, with due regard for public health, economic stability and national security.
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