The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has ordered a temporary halt on all actions intended to enforce the proposed sachet alcohol ban, pending further review.
This directive follows a formal note from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drug Administration and Control, which raised questions about the planned enforcement by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
In a statement released by Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs, the OSGF explained that the correspondence dated November 13, 2025, and signed by Uchenna Okonkwo, Deputy Chairman of the Committee, is currently under review. The Office, noting its role as the coordinating body of the Cabinet Secretariat, is assessing the matter before issuing a final directive.
Accordingly, the OSGF directs that all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures related to the sachet alcohol ban be suspended until consultations are completed and a final directive is issued.
The statement also warned that any action taken by NAFDAC or any other agency on this issue without proper clearance from the OSGF would be considered invalid and should be disregarded by the public until a formal decision is communicated.
The OSGF stressed that it is carefully examining all relevant legislative resolutions, economic implications, public health concerns, and broader national interests to ensure a balanced, lawful, and well-coordinated outcome. The public will be informed once a final position is determined.
This move follows NAFDAC’s earlier announcement that production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and in bottles smaller than 200 millilitres would be banned by December 2025, a policy intended to curb misuse among youths and drivers.
The SGF’s directive comes amid renewed pressure from the National Assembly, which has repeatedly urged NAFDAC to suspend enforcement in line with resolutions dating back to 2024.
A December 1 letter from the Permanent Secretary for General Services referenced concerns from the House Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control and requested comments to enable the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to make an informed decision. The letter also conveyed warm regards from the SGF.
Earlier, the Senate had approved a December 31, 2025 phase-out deadline, arguing that the timeline aligned with international standards and aimed to reduce alcohol-related harm.
