Nigerian Government Suspends NAFDAC Enforcement on Sachet Alcohol Ban Amid Security Concerns

The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to halt the enforcement actions related to the proposed ban on 200ml sachet alcohol and pet bottle alcohol products. This decision came after a joint intervention by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the National Security Adviser (NSA) raised security implications of continuing enforcement without fully implementing the national alcohol policy.

The suspension aims to prevent economic disruptions and security concerns caused by the ongoing enforcement activities. The SGF's office acknowledged receiving a letter from the House Committee on Food and Drug Administration and Control expressing concerns about NAFDAC's proposed enforcement actions and highlighting the need for a coordinated policy implementation to avoid destabilizing communities and worsening unemployment.

The government assured stakeholders of consultations and inter-agency coordination to make a final decision that balances public health priorities, economic stability, and national security.