A media story asserting that the Federal Government ordered the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to halt enforcement efforts regarding the regulation of alcoholic goods in 200ml PET bottles and sachets has been rejected.
The agency insisted that no such order had been issued from the Federal Government and characterized the release as inaccurate and deceptive.
NAFDAC reiterated in a statement released on Wednesday that it was still operating in accordance with the government’s formally declared policy and within its statutory mandate.
The clarification reportedly came after a report based on a statement purportedly made in Abuja by Terrence Kuanum, the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, claiming the Federal Government had ordered a halt to enforcement actions related to the proposed ban on small-volume alcoholic drinks and sachet alcohol.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, vehemently denied the allegation, emphasizing that the organization had not been given any directive to halt its regulatory operations.
“The aforementioned publication is inaccurate, deceptive, and does not represent any official correspondence that the Agency has received from the Federal Government,” she stated.
“The Agency has never received a formal directive directing it to halt its enforcement or regulatory actions concerning sachet alcohol products.”
Adeyeye reaffirmed NAFDAC’s dedication to protecting public health and guaranteeing adherence to regulations in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
She pointed out that the agency fulfills its obligations in a transparent manner, following the law and due procedure.
She also stated that “official government channels will be used to communicate any decision affecting national regulatory actions.”
The head of NAFDAC advised the public, business stakeholders, and media to ignore the story and depend only on verified information made available via the agency’s official platforms and approved government communication channels.
The organization also issued a warning against the dissemination of unconfirmed material that could lead to unwarranted public fear, economic instability, or misunderstandings of governmental regulations.
It also restated its dedication to upholding the nation’s interests, fostering economic stability, and safeguarding public health.
Concerns about underage access, substance misuse, and wider public health hazards have fueled national discussion about the regulation of sachet alcohol and other small-volume alcoholic beverages in recent years.
Stakeholders from the manufacturing and health sectors have continued to voice differing opinions about the proposed limitations; industry participants demand more extensive consultations and staggered implementation, while regulators place a strong emphasis on safety and public health.
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