The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has ordered a suspension of all enforcement actions related to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol products until further notice
The directive follows correspondence from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control regarding the planned enforcement of the ban by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
In a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Terrence Kuanum, the OSGF said the letter, dated November 13, 2025, and signed by the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Uchenna Okonkwo, is currently under review.
The statement added that the OSGF is considering the matter “in line with its statutory coordinating role as Chairman of the Cabinet Secretariat.” Accordingly, it directed that “all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures relating to the proposed sachet alcohol ban be suspended pending the conclusion of consultations and the issuance of a final directive by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”
The OSGF further clarified that “any action or enforcement undertaken by NAFDAC or any other agency on this matter without due clearance and resolution by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is of no effect and should be disregarded by the public until a final decision is formally communicated.”
The office assured Nigerians that all legislative resolutions, economic implications, public health concerns, and broader national interest considerations are being carefully examined to ensure a balanced and lawful outcome. “The public will be duly informed once a final position has been reached,” the statement said.
The move comes after NAFDAC announced plans to prohibit the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and bottles smaller than 200 millilitres by December 2025. NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, said the measure aims to curb the misuse of cheap alcoholic drinks among youths and drivers.
The SGF’s directive follows repeated pressure from the National Assembly for NAFDAC to suspend enforcement of the ban, consistent with resolutions passed since 2024. A December 1 letter from the Permanent Secretary (General Services), Mohammed Danjuma, to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, and the NAFDAC Director-General referenced concerns from the House Committee and requested comments to guide the SGF in making an informed decision.
Earlier, the Senate had approved a December 31, 2025, phase-out deadline following a motion by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), noting that the timeline aligns with global standards and aims to reduce alcohol-related harm.
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