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The Federal Government has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to immediately suspend enforcement actions tied to the proposed restriction on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottled alcoholic drinks.
Authorities also instructed the agency to stop sealing factories and warehouses linked to the disputed policy, signalling a temporary retreat from what industry players had described as a sweeping clampdown.
The directive was announced in Abuja through a statement by Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
He explained that the decision followed consultations involving the SGF’s office and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
According to him, concerns were raised about the broader implications of pushing ahead with enforcement before the full rollout of the National Alcohol Policy.
“All enforcement measures connected to the sachet alcohol restriction must be paused pending final consultations and a comprehensive directive,” he said.
Although the Federal Ministry of Health had formally endorsed the National Alcohol Policy under the directive of President Bola Tinubu, government officials stressed that implementation procedures remain incomplete.
Hence, regulators were told to refrain from actions that could amount to a blanket prohibition.
The suspension covers factory shutdowns, warehouse closures and public announcements reinforcing the proposed ban.
Officials warned that continuing enforcement without a harmonised framework could deepen economic strain.
The government noted that supply chains, small-scale distributors and thousands of informal sector workers were already feeling the impact.
“Uncoordinated enforcement carries consequences beyond regulation. It affects livelihoods and may create avoidable security concerns,” Kuanum stated.
Furthermore, the SGF’s office disclosed that it had earlier, in December 2025, advised a pause on related actions to allow broader engagement.
That move followed correspondence from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drug Administration and Control, which questioned aspects of the agency’s enforcement plan.
Lawmakers, in a letter referenced NASS/10/HR/CT.53/77 and signed by Deputy Chairman Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo, cited existing National Assembly resolutions and urged caution.
Government sources confirmed that a multi-layered review is underway.
The process involves examining legislative input, public health priorities, economic considerations and national security concerns before a final decision is taken.
The participation of the National Security Adviser’s office, officials noted, underscores the sensitivity of the issue.
“This is no longer a narrow regulatory matter; it touches on economic stability and public order,” the statement added.
For now, stakeholders in Nigeria’s alcoholic beverage sector have been assured that fresh directives will follow after inter-agency consultations are concluded.
The Federal Government reiterated that any final decision on sachet alcohol regulation will balance public health objectives with economic sustainability and national security interests.