SGF Suspends NAFDAC’s Enforcement on Sachet Alcohol Ban

By Maryanne Awuya

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has ordered the immediate suspension of all enforcement actions related to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml bottle products until further notice.

The directive followed concerns raised by the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control.

Per Second News reports that NAFDAC had reaffirmed its commitment and readiness to enforce a total ban on the production and sale of alcoholic drink in sachets and small plastic or glass bottle below 200ml by December 2025.

In a statement by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Terrence Kuanum, the office confirmed receipt of a letter from the House Committee dated November 13, 2025.

The statement added that the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation “is considering the matter in line with its statutory coordinating role as Chairman of the cabinet secretariat”.

The letter, signed by the Committee’s Deputy Chairman, Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, draws attention to existing National Assembly resolutions on the proposed ban and urged caution in its enforcement.

According to the OSGF, the issues raised are currently under review in line with its statutory role as Chairman of the Cabinet Secretariat and coordinating authority for government policy implementation.

“Any enforcement action taken by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) or any other agency without due clearance from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation would be considered invalid and should be disregarded by the public until an official decision is communicated”. the statement said.

The OSGF said it is conducting a comprehensive review of legislative resolutions, public health considerations, economic implications, and the broader national interest before arriving at a final decision.

It added that Nigerians would be formally informed once a conclusive position on the proposed ban is reached.

Persecondnews recalls the Senate had approved December 31, 2025 as the deadline for NAFDAC total ban.

This follows a motion by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong ( Cross River South), who said the timeline aligned with global standards and was intended to curb alcohol consumption harm.