Nigeria suspends enforcement of sachet alcohol ban pending lawmaker consultations
Federal authorities halt enforcement actions while reviewing National Assembly resolutions and broader economic and public health implications.
NIGERIA – Nigeria’s federal government has directed an immediate suspension of all enforcement actions related to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol, pending consultations with lawmakers and a final decision from the presidency’s coordinating office.
In a statement dated December 15, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) said it is reviewing correspondence from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control, which cited existing National Assembly resolutions on the proposed ban.
Until the review process is completed, all regulatory actions connected to the policy are to be placed on hold.
The statement clarified that any enforcement steps taken by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), or any other government body, without proper clearance would be considered invalid. The SGF’s office said such actions “should be disregarded by the public” until further notice.
The directive reflects growing scrutiny around the proposed restriction, which has generated debate over its potential economic and social consequences.
Manufacturers, distributors and informal retailers have raised concerns about possible job losses and disruptions across supply chains that depend heavily on sachet-sized alcoholic beverages.
At the same time, public health advocates have continued to support stricter regulation, arguing that sachet alcohol contributes to underage drinking, abuse and unsafe consumption practices.
The federal government said it is weighing legislative resolutions alongside public health considerations, economic impact and broader national interest factors before reaching a final position.
NAFDAC had earlier announced plans to prohibit the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and bottles smaller than 200 millilitres by December 2025. The agency’s Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, said the measure was intended to address the widespread misuse of low-cost alcohol, particularly among youths and commercial drivers.
The SGF’s intervention follows renewed pressure from the National Assembly, which has repeatedly called on NAFDAC to suspend enforcement in line with resolutions passed since 2024.
A letter dated December 1 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 raised by the House Committee.
The letter requested formal input from relevant authorities to enable the SGF to take an informed decision, noting the need for alignment with legislative oversight.
Separately, the Senate had earlier approved a December 31, 2025, phase-out deadline following a motion by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong of Cross River South. The motion argued that the timeline aligned with international standards and was aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm.
The federal government said the public would be informed once a final decision on the sachet alcohol policy is reached.
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