There are conflicting reports regarding the Federal Government’s position on the enforcement of the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic drinks across Nigeria.
Several media platforms reported that the Federal Government directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to immediately suspend enforcement actions linked to the policy. The reports claim the directive also stopped factory closures, sealing of warehouses, and other regulatory measures tied to the ban.
According to the reports, the directive was said to have come through a statement issued in Abuja by Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The statement allegedly explained that the decision followed interventions by the Office of the SGF and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), who raised concerns about enforcing the ban before the full implementation of a National Alcohol Policy.
The reported directive stated that all enforcement activities connected to the sachet alcohol ban should be suspended pending further consultations and the proper rollout of the policy framework.
However, NAFDAC has denied receiving any official instruction to suspend enforcement. The agency insists that no formal communication has been issued to it ordering a halt to its regulatory actions. According to NAFDAC, the claims of suspension are misleading, and its enforcement stance remains unchanged.
This has created uncertainty, as government-linked sources suggest a pause in enforcement, while the regulatory body maintains that the ban and related actions are still in effect.
As of now, there appears to be no unified public position, and stakeholders are awaiting clearer directives from the appropriate authorities.