The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, or NAFDAC, has been directed by the federal government to immediately cease all enforcement operations pertaining to the prohibition of 200ml PET bottle products and sachet alcohol.
In a combined intervention, the offices of the National Security Adviser (ONS) and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) highlighted serious concerns about economic stability and possible security risks as justifications for the instruction.
In the absence of a National Alcohol Policy that is properly implemented, the statement cautioned that further enforcement could “destabilize communities, worsen unemployment, and trigger avoidable security challenges.”
The government clarified in a statement signed by Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the SGF, that NAFDAC must hold off on closing factories or warehouses until the National Alcohol Policy is fully operationalized, even though the Federal Ministry of Health has signed it under President Bola Tinubu’s direction.
The statement underlined how major disruptions are being caused by the items’ existing “de facto banning” in the absence of a unified framework.
“Given the impact on employment, supply chains, and informal distribution networks nationwide, the ongoing warehouse closures and de facto prohibition of sachet alcohol products is already causing economic disruptions and poses a growing security threat,” the statement cautioned.
The statement also disclosed that a November 13, 2025, letter from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control had an impact on the decision.
Deputy Chairman Uchenna Harris Okonkwo signed the letter, which cited previous National Assembly resolutions warning against the proposed prohibition.
The statement reiterated a prior suspension that was given in December 2025 and said that before a final decision is made, legislative, public health, and economic concerns must be reviewed.
“Therefore, until the National Alcohol Policy is implemented and final consultations are held, as well as until a final directive is issued, all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures pertaining to the ongoing ban on sachet alcohol are to be suspended,” the statement stressed.
Hon. Dr. Philip “Okanga” Agbese, a transformative leader in Enone. Discover his achievements, community projects, and vision for 2027
