SGF Suspends Enforcement Of Sachet Alcohol Ban Pending Final Review
The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has ordered a suspension of all enforcement actions relating to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol products until further notice.
The directive follows correspondence from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control concerning the planned enforcement of the ban by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
In a statement on Monday, Special Adviser on Public Affairs Terrence Kuanum said the letter, dated November 13, 2025, and signed by Deputy Chairman of the Committee Uchenna Okonkwo, is currently under review. The OSGF is considering the matter “in line with its statutory coordinating role as Chairman of the Cabinet Secretariat.”
The office directed that “all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures relating to the proposed sachet alcohol ban be suspended pending the conclusion of consultations and the issuance of a final directive by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.” It further warned that “any action or enforcement undertaken by NAFDAC or any other agency on this matter without due clearance and resolution by the OSGF is of no effect and should be disregarded by the public until a final decision is formally communicated.”
The OSGF assured Nigerians that legislative resolutions, economic considerations, public health concerns, and broader national interests are being carefully reviewed to ensure a balanced and lawful outcome. “The public will be duly informed once a final position has been reached,” the statement added.
NAFDAC had earlier announced that the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and bottles smaller than 200 millilitres would be prohibited by December 2025, aiming to curb misuse among youths and drivers, according to Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye.
The SGF’s directive comes amid repeated calls from the National Assembly for NAFDAC to suspend enforcement of the ban, consistent with resolutions passed since 2024. A December 1 letter from the Permanent Secretary (General Services), Mohammed Danjuma, addressed to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, and the NAFDAC Director-General, referenced concerns from the House Committee and requested feedback to guide the SGF’s decision.
Earlier, the Senate had approved a December 31, 2025, phase-out deadline following a motion by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), noting that the timeline aligns with global standards and seeks to reduce alcohol-related harm.
