The Federal Government of Nigeria has again directed that enforcement of the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic products remain suspended, warning the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to immediately stop sealing factories and warehouses.

The latest directive followed joint intervention by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Office of the National Security Adviser, both of which raised concerns about the broader implications of continued enforcement actions.

Officials said that while the National Alcohol Policy has now been signed by the Federal Ministry of Health in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, its full implementation has not yet been concluded. Until further guidance is issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, regulatory enforcement must be suspended.

According to government sources, continued sealing of warehouses and shutdown of production facilities without a harmonised policy framework risks triggering economic disruption and security instability.

Authorities warned that premature enforcement could negatively affect employment, supply chains and informal distribution networks across several states. The intervention signals that the issue has moved beyond regulatory compliance and is now being viewed through a national security lens.

The position reinforces an earlier directive issued in December 2025, when the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation formally suspended actions related to the proposed ban pending consultations.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the SGF, Terrence Kuanum, the Office confirmed receipt of correspondence from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control dated November 13, 2025.

The letter, referenced NASS/10/HR/CT.53/77 and signed by Deputy Chairman Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, reportedly expressed concern over NAFDAC’s proposed enforcement measures and cited existing resolutions of the National Assembly.

The Office of the SGF said it is reviewing legislative positions, public health considerations and economic implications surrounding the proposed restrictions.

“All actions, decisions or enforcement measures relating to the ongoing ban on sachet alcohol are to be suspended pending final consultations and implementation of the National Alcohol Policy,” the statement said.

The Office added that any enforcement action carried out without clearance from the SGF should be disregarded by the public until a final government position is formally communicated.

With the involvement of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Federal Government has framed the issue as one requiring coordinated inter-agency alignment rather than unilateral regulatory action.

Officials cautioned that uncoordinated enforcement could destabilise affected communities and deepen economic strain in parts of the country where the production and distribution of sachet alcohol products provide livelihoods.

The SGF and NSA reiterated that NAFDAC is expected to cease enforcement activities immediately until the National Alcohol Policy is fully operational and further directives are issued.

Government sources said consultations are ongoing and that a final decision balancing public health objectives, economic stability and national security considerations will be announced in due course.