Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, Investigative Journalist.
A significant policy shift with far-reaching public health, economic, and governance implications, the Federal Government of Nigeria has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to immediately suspend all enforcement actions related to the planned nationwide ban on sachet and small-bottle alcoholic beverages. The directive, issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), halts the contentious measure pending comprehensive consultations and the issuance of a final government position. Nigerian Voice +1The moratorium applies to enforcement of NAFDAC’s proposed prohibition on the production, distribution, and sale of alcohol packaged in sachets and bottles below 200 millilitres — a regulation originally slated for implementation from December 2025 following legislative and agency resolutions. Nigerian Voice +1Government Directive and RationaleAccording to an OSGF statement, the suspension is intended to allow federal authorities to review and coordinate policy across government, ensuring that public health goals, economic interests, and legislative concerns are harmonised before enforcement resumes. The directive explicitly invalidates any ongoing or future enforcement actions by NAFDAC or other agencies on this matter until the government finalises its position. Nigerian VoiceThe government’s intervention comes amid sustained debate over the rationale and timing of the ban, which has drawn both public health advocacy and economic objections. Proponents of the ban argue that cheap, high-alcohol content beverages in small packaging contribute to underage drinking, addiction, and broader societal harms. Critics — including industry stakeholders and labour representatives — have warned of potential job losses, revenue declines, and market disruption if the ban is implemented without adequate transitional planning. EnviroNews +1Industry and Civil Society ReactionsThe Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and other commercial bodies have publicly criticised perceived inconsistencies in the regulatory stance — alleging that NAFDAC continued enforcement despite government directives to suspend action. These groups argue that abrupt policy shifts risk undermining business confidence and could push consumers toward unregulated, illicit products. Vanguard News +1Meanwhile, civil society organisations that support regulatory controls on harmful alcohol consumption maintain that measures to restrict sachet-packaged alcohol are vital for protecting vulnerable populations — especially minors and low-income communities — from easily accessible, high-strength alcoholic products. Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting ServiceAdding to the complexity, advocacy group the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has petitioned the Federal High Court in Lagos to restrain the government from further delaying enforcement, framing the suspension as a potential abdication of legal responsibility toward public health protection. TheCable +1Policy Context and Next StepsNAFDAC’s original plan, backed by legislative resolutions, was to enforce a ban on alcohol sachets from the end of 2025, citing concerns that low-cost, small-volume alcoholic beverages foster underage access and misuse. The government’s current suspension introduces a period of uncertainty, as stakeholders across sectors await a clarified policy outcome.icirnigeria.orgThe OSGF has emphasised that decisions on the future of the ban will be guided by a balanced appraisal of public health data, economic impact assessments, and broader national interests. Public communication from government authorities on the final resolution is expected to follow upon conclusion of the consultative process. Nigerian VoiceSources:• The Nigerian Voice – FG orders suspension of sachet alcohol ban• The Nation – FG suspends enforcement pending review• Vanguard – NECA berates NAFDAC enforcement• The Cable – MAN: NAFDAC ignored directives • Voice of Nigeria / EnviroNews Nigeria – Civil society backs ban rationale• Arise TV – Protests from labour unions and distillers• The Cable / Guardian – SERAP seeks court order• ICIR / Independent coverage on original sachet alcohol policy aims. Nigerian VoiceThe Nation NewspaperVanguard NewsTheCableVoice of Nigeria Broadcasting ServiceArise NewsTheCable +1icirnigeria.org
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