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.

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Saudi Arabia Quietly Opens Alcohol Access To Wealthy Foreign Residents

Saudi Arabia, long known for its strict ban on alcohol, is reportedly allowing some wealthy foreign residents to purchase whiskey and champagne, according to The New York Times. The store, which was previously limited to diplomats, is now said to sell alcohol to non-Muslim foreigners holding “premium residency” permits, five customers told the newspaper. Premium residency is a special status granted to highly skilled or affluent expatriates working in strategic sectors such as healthcare or state-owned enterprises. The sources spoke anonymously due to local sensitivities and the desire to maintain continued access to the store. No official announcement has been made about changes to the kingdom’s alcohol policy. However, the unmarked Riyadh store reportedly sees significant traffic, with luxury SUVs lining up outside its gated location in the Diplomatic Quarter. A receipt seen by the newspaper showed a bottle of mid-range white wine priced at about $85, more than five times the cost in the U.S. The store appears to operate under government oversight, with purchases limited by a monthly quota linked to government-issued IDs. Access requires a smartphone app created by the tax and customs authority. A Saudi government media office did not respond to requests for comment. The move comes as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s wider social and economic reforms. In recent years, the kingdom has eased restrictions on women, hosted mixed-gender events, and gradually relaxed other social regulations. Analysts suggest that permitting controlled alcohol sales could help attract foreign professionals, increase tourism, and generate revenue, while still managing conservative public sentiment.

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Sean “Diddy” Caught Making Homemade Alcohol In Prison Despite Sobriety Pledge

Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing scrutiny at Fort Dix prison after being caught making and consuming homemade alcohol, breaking the sobriety promise he made to a judge just weeks ago. According to TMZ, the music mogul was discovered with a DIY fermented drink made from Fanta, sugar, and apples, a concoction created by inmates to produce alcohol within the low-security New Jersey facility. Prison officials initially considered disciplining Diddy and moving him to a different unit but later decided to let him remain in his current housing block. The incident contrasts sharply with Diddy’s recent statements about personal transformation. Before his sentencing last month, he told the court he had been sober for the first time in 25 years and was committed to changing his life. In a letter to the judge, he wrote that the “old version” of himself had died in prison and that he was embracing a new path. Photos taken recently show Diddy relaxed and smiling with other inmates in the Fort Dix yard, suggesting he has settled into prison life. Diddy is currently serving a 50-month sentence following his July conviction on two counts of violating the Mann Act. While prison officials have declined to comment on the alcohol discovery, the violation will remain on his record and could affect his privileges or eligibility for early release.

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Laide Bakare Defends Taking 17-Year-Old Daughter To Club, Says No Alcohol Involved

Nollywood actress Laide Bakare has addressed the criticism she faced for taking her 17-year-old daughter to a nightclub. Bakare initially suggested that the outing was intended to give her daughter her first club experience and a glimpse of adulthood. However, she later clarified that she did not introduce her daughter to alcohol, only the club environment, as a way to provide exposure for the future. The move sparked backlash, with many Nigerians questioning her parenting choices and warning against exposing minors to nightlife. Responding on Instagram, Bakare defended her actions, insisting her comments were misinterpreted. She explained that the visit took place during her daughter’s birthday afterparty and was not meant to encourage underage drinking. “Let me mention clearly here that I never said I introduced my daughter, @simlineboss, to alcohol. I only stated that she entered a club with me for the very first time in her life at her birthday afterparty. How is that bad naw?” she wrote. In a follow-up post, she added, “No please, I didn’t do alcohol with @simlineboss, only club, and it’s just to give her a bit of exposure towards the future. I’m not as bad as you think.” Bakare emphasized that her intention was solely to offer her daughter a controlled exposure to adult social settings, not to encourage risky behaviour.

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Laide Bakare Admits Introducing Daughter To Alcohol And Clubbing At 17

Laide Bakare has revealed that she took her daughter to a club and introduced her to alcohol when she was 17. In a recent interview with content creator Mr Lilgaga, the Nollywood actress said she appreciates that her daughter may one day reference her in a memoir as the person who first introduced her to nightlife. “I took my daughter to the club for the first time at 17. And I like the fact that in her memoir, she would reference me as the person who introduced her to alcohol and clubbing,” Bakare said. The disclosure has generated mixed reactions online, with some criticizing her for exposing her teenage daughter to alcohol and the clubbing scene.  

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