Nigeria’s drug and food regulator has firmly rejected claims that it was directed by the Federal Government to suspend enforcement of the nationwide ban on sachet alcohol and certain PET-bottled alcoholic drinks.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) described the circulating reports as inaccurate and misleading, stressing that no such instruction has been issued to the agency.
Earlier, NAFDAC had announced the commencement of enforcement against the production, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small polyethene terephthalate (PET) containers.
The move forms part of broader regulatory efforts aimed at tightening control over alcohol sales and protecting public health.
However, social media platforms were flooded on Wednesday with claims that the Federal Government had asked the agency to step back from implementing the restriction.
The posts quickly gained traction, triggering confusion among manufacturers, distributors, and consumers.
In a statement issued by its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC dismissed the report and reaffirmed its operational independence within the framework of federal policy.
“The agency has not received any formal or informal directive instructing it to suspend enforcement relating to sachet alcohol products,” Adeyeye said.
“Our actions are guided strictly by statutory provisions and officially communicated government policies.”
Moreover, the regulator emphasised that any policy reversal or major shift in enforcement strategy would be publicly communicated through recognised government channels.
NAFDAC urged industry players and members of the public to rely solely on verified information published on its official platforms.
According to the agency, spreading unconfirmed reports could generate unnecessary panic and disrupt legitimate business operations.
“We advise stakeholders to disregard the false narrative currently in circulation,” the statement added.
“Misinformation of this nature has the potential to create avoidable anxiety and distort public understanding of regulatory decisions.”
Furthermore, the agency reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health while maintaining regulatory discipline across the food and beverage sector.
The sachet alcohol ban has been positioned as part of efforts to curb underage drinking, reduce alcohol abuse, and strengthen consumer safety standards in Nigeria’s beverage market.
Hence, NAFDAC maintained that enforcement activities remain ongoing and aligned with existing federal guidelines.
The agency concluded by reaffirming its dedication to public health protection, economic stability, and national interest.