OSGF Directs NAFDAC and Agencies to Halt Actions as Legislative, Health, and Economic Implications Are Reviewed
The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has directed that all enforcement measures related to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol products be suspended until further notice.
The directive follows a formal communication from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control regarding the planned implementation of the ban by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
In a statement released on Monday by Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the SGF, the office confirmed that the correspondence, dated 13 November 2025 and signed by Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Uchenna Okonkwo, is currently under review.
“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,” the statement said.
Accordingly, the OSGF has ordered that all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures regarding the sachet alcohol ban be suspended until consultations are completed and a final directive is issued.
“Any enforcement undertaken by NAFDAC or any other agency without clearance from the SGF is of no effect and should be disregarded by the public until a formal decision is communicated,” the statement emphasized.
The office assured Nigerians that all relevant factors including legislative resolutions, public health concerns, economic implications, and broader national interests are being carefully reviewed to ensure a balanced, lawful, and coordinated outcome.
The directive comes in the wake of NAFDAC’s announcement that production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and bottles smaller than 200 millilitres would be prohibited by December 2025, citing concerns about misuse among youths and drivers.
Pressure from the National Assembly has also influenced the decision, with lawmakers repeatedly requesting that enforcement of the ban be put on hold. A letter dated 1 December 2025 from the Permanent Secretary (General Services), Mohammed Danjuma, to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, and NAFDAC’s Director-General, referenced concerns raised by the House Committee.
“In reference to the attached letter dated 13 November from the House of Reps Committee, we request your comments to enable the SGF to make an informed decision… please accept the warm regards of the SGF,” the letter read.
Earlier, the Senate approved a 31 December 2025 phase-out deadline following a motion by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), noting that the timeline aligns with global standards and aims to curb alcohol-related harm.
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