SGF Suspends Enforcement of Sachet Alcohol Ban Pending Review

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has directed an immediate suspension of the enforcement of the proposed ban on sachet alcoholic drinks and small-volume packaged spirits, pending a comprehensive review of the policy.

The directive, issued on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, applies to all regulatory and enforcement activities related to the ban and affects the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other relevant Agencies. The OSGF stated that no further action should be taken on the matter until a final decision is communicated by the Federal Government.

According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Public Affairs, the suspension followed concerns formally raised by the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control. The committee reportedly drew the attention of the SGF to existing legislative resolutions on the issue and called for a pause in enforcement to allow for wider consultations and proper policy alignment.

The OSGF explained that the decision was taken in line with its statutory responsibility to coordinate Government policies and its role as Chairman of the Cabinet Secretariat. It noted that the ongoing review would take into account resolutions of the National Assembly, public health considerations, economic and social implications, as well as the overall National interest.

NAFDAC had earlier announced plans to enforce a ban on alcoholic beverages sold in sachets and in bottles below 200 millilitres, citing concerns over rising alcohol abuse, particularly among youths, commercial drivers, and other vulnerable segments of the population. The Agency said the measure was aimed at addressing public health and safety challenges linked to the easy availability and affordability of such products.

The proposed ban, however, sparked intense debate nationwide. While industry stakeholders warned that enforcement could lead to job losses, disrupt small-scale businesses and affect investments in the beverage sector, public health advocates and civil society organisations maintained that the ban was necessary to curb alcohol misuse and its associated social and health consequences.

In its statement, the OSGF emphasised that any enforcement action taken during the review period without its clearance should be disregarded. It assured Nigerians and relevant stakeholders that a final position on the sachet alcohol policy would be announced once the review process is concluded.

The suspension means that the production, sale and distribution of sachet alcoholic drinks and small-volume spirits will continue for now, pending the outcome of the Federal Government’s review.