Federal Government Orders NAFDAC to Suspend Sachet Alcohol Ban
Federal Government Orders NAFDAC to Suspend Sachet Alcohol Ban
The Federal Government has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to immediately suspend the enforcement of the ban on sachet alcoholic beverages and small-volume bottled spirits across the country.
The directive was issued through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), following growing concerns over the economic and security implications of the ban. Officials warned that continued enforcement could disrupt livelihoods, worsen unemployment, and trigger social unrest in affected communities.
In a statement, the government clarified that all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures relating to the sachet alcohol ban must remain suspended pending the full implementation of Nigeria’s National Alcohol Policy and further consultations with stakeholders. Authorities also cautioned that any enforcement actions carried out without clearance from the OSGF should be regarded as invalid.
The Federal Government acknowledged that while protecting public health remains a priority, a balanced approach is needed to avoid harming businesses, supply chains, and informal distributors who depend on the sector for survival. The government assured Nigerians that a final, comprehensive policy decision would be communicated after consultations, taking into account public health, economic stability, and national security considerations.
The sachet alcohol ban, which targeted the production and sale of alcoholic drinks in sachets and bottles below 200ml, had been enforced by NAFDAC earlier in 2026 following a Senate directive aimed at curbing alcohol abuse, particularly among youths. However, the latest suspension signals a pause in enforcement as the government reassesses the policy framework.
The development has sparked reactions from industry stakeholders and the public, with manufacturers and traders urging the government to adopt regulations that protect public health without destroying jobs and investments.
