By RismadarVoice Media, December 16, 2025
Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has directed the suspension of all enforcement actions relating to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol products until further notice.
The directive follows an official 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 issued on Monday December 15, by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the SGF, Terrence Kuanum, the OSGF said the correspondence, dated November 13, 2025, signed by the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Uchenna Okonkwo, is currently under review.
According to the statement, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is considering the matter “in line with its statutory coordinating role as Chairman of the Cabinet Secretariat.”
“Accordingly, the OSGF directs that all actions, decisions, 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,” the statement said.
It further clarified that “any action or enforcement undertaken by NAFDAC or any other agency on this matter without due clearance, resolution by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is of no effect, should be disregarded by the public, until a final decision is formally communicated.”
The OSGF assured Nigerians that all relevant legislative resolutions, economic implications, public health concerns, broader national interest considerations are being carefully examined towards ensuring a balanced, lawful, well-coordinated outcome, adding that the public would be informed once a final position is reached.
The development comes after NAFDAC announced that the production, sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and bottles- smaller than 200 millilitres would be prohibited by December 2025.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, said the decision was aimed at curbing the misuse of cheap alcoholic drinks, particularly among youths, commercial drivers.
However, the National Assembly has repeatedly urged NAFDAC to suspend enforcement of the ban, citing resolutions passed since 2024.
In a December 1 letter, the Permanent Secretary – General Services, Mohammed Danjuma wrote to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, the NAFDAC Director-General, requesting their comments on concerns raised by the House Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control to enable the SGF take an informed decision.
Earlier, the Senate approved a December 31, 2025, phase-out deadline following a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), who said they timeline aligned with global standards, was intended to reduce alcohol-related harm.
