NAFDAC and rumblings over enforcement of ban on sachet alcohol drinks

*The Nigerian Government has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to suspend all current enforcement actions linked to the proposed ban on sachet alcoholic drinks and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic products reportedly due to lack of a ‘fully implemented National Alcohol Policy’ in the West African country

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to recent concerns over the security implications of the continued enforcement of the regulatory directive, the Nigerian Government has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to suspend the ongoing enforcement of ban on sachet alcohol drinks across the country.

ConsumerConnect reports the Federal Government hinged the directive to halt the implementation of the ban on the absence of a fully implemented National Alcohol Policy.

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The relevant governmental authorities also specifically asked the health regulatory agency to suspend all current enforcement actions linked to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic products in the Nigerian market.

The latest directive is contained in a statement which Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), issued Wednesday, February 11, in Abuja, FCT.

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Besides, the Federal Government mandated an immediate halt to the sealing of product manufacturers’ factories, warehouses, and other facilities over the burning national issue.

Senate, NAFDAC clarify rationale for policy decision on sachet alcohol

ConsumerConnect reports the Federal Government’s latest directive came amid several weeks of accumulated tension between NAFDAC and alcohol producers.

The agency had reactivated its enforcement of a ban on alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and bottles smaller than 200 millilitres.

NAFDAC had also announced January 2026, that enforcement, supported by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is targeted only spirit drinks sold in sachets or sub-200ml containers, and did not amount to a shutdown of alcohol-producing companies or a prohibition of alcohol consumption in the country.

The health sector regulator also contended that widespread availability of the affected products, low cost, and ease of concealment of sachet and small-bottle alcohol have contributed to “underage access, misuse, addiction, road accidents, school dropouts, and other social misdemeanors in the economy.

Likewise, the Nigerian Senate, November 2025, had directed strict implementation of the ban from December last, and opposed further extensions.

The Federal Government, nonetheless, later reportedly issued a directive for temporary pause on enforcement pending stakeholder consultations, and a final policy directive.

NAFDAC subsequently, said it resumed enforcement of the ban after receiving what it described as a matching order from the Senate.

The regulatory agency insisted that its action aligned with the NAFDAC public health mandate, particularly the protection of children, adolescents, and young adults from harmful consumer products and influences.

Official: How Nigerian authorities took decision to suspend enforcement of ban on sachet alcohol

Explaining the rationale behind the Federal Government’s directive to NAFDAC to suspend enforcement of the ban on sachet alcoholic drinks, Kuanum disclosed in the statement, that the decision followed a joint intervention by the Office of the SGF (OSGF) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The statement noted the authorities considered apparent concerns raised over the security implications of continued enforcement in the absence of a fully implemented National Alcohol Policy in Nigeria.

The government said all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures relating to the ongoing sachet alcohol ban remain suspended, pending final consultations, full implementation of the National Alcohol Policy, and the issuance of a definitive directive in this regard.

It further stated: “Accordingly, all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures relating to the ongoing ban on sachet alcohol are to be suspended pending the final consultations and implementation of the National Alcohol Policy and the issuance of a final directive.”

Though the statement acknowledged that the Federal Ministry of Health had signed the policy in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive, it affirmed the Nigerian Government directed that NAFDAC must refrain from enforcement until implementation is completed, and further instructions are issued.

The government, therefore, warned that continued warehouse sealing, and what it described as a de facto ban without a harmonised policy framework were already causing economic disruption.

It equally cited emerging security risks resulting from the actions through their impact on jobs, supply chains, and informal distribution networks nationwide.

According to Kuanum, the directive reinforces an earlier instruction issued by the SGF’s office December 2025, which suspended actions related to the proposed ban, pending consultations and a final decision in the issue.

The Federal Government as well indicated its ongoing review of legislative resolutions, public health considerations, economic implications, and broader national interest factors surrounding the issue.

The statement noted the involvement of the National Security Adviser showed the matter has extended beyond regulatory concerns of NAFDAC.

The statement further cautioned that premature enforcement without coordinated policy implementation could destabilise communities, worsen unemployment matters, and trigger further security challenges in the West African country.

Meanwhile, NAFDAC’s renewed enforcement of the ban on alcohol in sachets has since triggered protests, especially in Lagos, according to report.

The trade unions in the commercial capital of Nigeria, who are in the food, beverage, and tobacco sector as well warned the ban on the affected products could threaten about a million jobs across the value chain.

They also disputed claims linking sachet alcohol directly to youth consumption, report stated.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) also criticised the NAFDAC enforcement.

MAN reportedly said agency’s action contradicted earlier Federal Government’s directives.

It equally said the move could harm indigenous producers, restrict consumer choice, and encourage the spread of unregulated alcoholic products in the Nigerian market.

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