Confusion Trails FG, NAFDAC Positions on Sachet Alcohol Enforcement

Feb 12, 2026 - 11:58
Feb 12, 2026 - 12:25
 0  9
Confusion Trails FG, NAFDAC Positions on Sachet Alcohol Enforcement

Conflicting signals have emerged over whether the Federal Government has suspended enforcement of the planned ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic beverages nationwide.

Some media reports claimed that the government directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, to halt all enforcement activities related to the proposed restriction. According to the reports, actions such as shutting down production facilities, sealing warehouses, and other regulatory measures were to be put on hold.

The alleged directive was reportedly contained in a statement issued in Abuja by Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF. The reports indicated that the move followed concerns raised by the Office of the SGF and the Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA. The concerns were said to focus on the need to fully implement a National Alcohol Policy before proceeding with strict enforcement measures.

It was further reported that enforcement steps linked to the sachet alcohol restriction would remain suspended pending further consultations and the proper rollout of the policy framework.

However, NAFDAC has distanced itself from the claims, stating that it has not received any official communication directing it to suspend enforcement. The agency described the reports as misleading and maintained that its regulatory operations remain unchanged.

The development has created uncertainty among stakeholders, with government linked sources suggesting a possible temporary pause, while the regulatory body insists that no such directive has been issued. As of now, there is no clear unified position, and many stakeholders are awaiting formal clarification from the appropriate authorities.