FG orders NAFDAC to unban sale, consumption of sachet alcohol

The Federal Government has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to immediately stop enforcing the ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic drinks.

The order came through a joint decision by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The government said continuing the ban could cause serious economic and security problems.

According to the statement, enforcing the ban without fully putting the National Alcohol Policy in place could lead to job losses, disrupt businesses, and create security challenges in different communities.

Although the National Alcohol Policy has already been signed by the Federal Ministry of Health under President Bola Tinubu’s directive, the government said NAFDAC must not seal factories or warehouses until the policy is fully implemented.

The statement warned that sealing warehouses and stopping the sale of sachet alcohol products is already causing economic disruption.

Many people depend on the production and sale of these products for their livelihoods, especially in informal markets across the country.

The OSGF said its decision followed a letter from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control, dated November 13, 2025.

The letter, signed by Deputy Chairman Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, referred to earlier National Assembly resolutions advising against the ban.

The government also reminded the public that it had earlier suspended the ban in December 2025 while reviewing health, economic, and legislative concerns.

It stated clearly that all actions related to the ban must remain suspended until final consultations are completed and the National Alcohol Policy is fully implemented.

The Federal Government declared that any enforcement action by NAFDAC that is not approved by the OSGF is invalid.

The government assured Nigerians that a final decision will soon be announced, balancing public health concerns with economic stability and national security.