The Federal Government has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to immediately suspend its nationwide enforcement against the production and distribution of sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic drinks, and to reopen factories, depots, and warehouses previously sealed during the crackdown.
The directive, issued by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, effectively halts ongoing regulatory actions linked to the proposed restriction on low-cost alcohol products across the country.
The decision was disclosed in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja by Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
According to the statement, the move followed high-level consultations involving the Office of the SGF and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), both of which raised concerns about the timing and broader implications of the enforcement exercise.
The two offices warned that implementing the restriction without the full rollout of a comprehensive National Alcohol Policy could trigger unintended economic disruptions and security challenges.
“Consequently, all enforcement activities and related decisions concerning the sachet alcohol restriction are hereby suspended pending the conclusion of consultations and the proper implementation of the National Alcohol Policy, alongside further government directives,” the statement said.
Although the National Alcohol Policy has been endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Health in line with presidential directive, officials stressed that enforcement must not proceed until the policy framework is fully operational and harmonised.
The Federal Government specifically ordered NAFDAC to discontinue factory closures, warehouse sealings, and public communications suggesting an outright ban. Authorities noted that the enforcement, described as a “de facto ban,” had begun disrupting supply chains and negatively affecting businesses, particularly within informal distribution networks that rely heavily on low-cost alcohol products.
The statement warned that widespread job losses and economic strain could heighten social tensions if not carefully managed.
Kuanum explained that the latest directive reinforces an earlier instruction issued by the SGF’s office in December 2025, which had already called for a pause pending broader stakeholder consultations and a final policy decision.
He added that the SGF’s office had received correspondence from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control, urging caution and alignment with legislative resolutions on the matter.
The Federal Government said it is currently reviewing the issue, taking into account public health objectives, economic realities, legislative input, and national security considerations. It assured industry stakeholders and the public that a final decision will be announced after comprehensive consultations and inter-agency coordination.