The directive was issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) following correspondence from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control regarding the planned enforcement of the ban by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
In a statement released on Monday by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Terrence Kuanum, the OSGF confirmed that the lawmakers’ letter, dated November 13, 2025, and signed by the committee’s Deputy Chairman, Uchenna Okonkwo, is currently under review.
According to the statement, the OSGF is examining the matter in line with its statutory responsibility as Chairman of the Cabinet Secretariat, pending further consultations with relevant stakeholders.
“Accordingly, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation directs that all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures relating to the proposed sachet alcohol ban be suspended pending the conclusion of consultations and the issuance of a final directive,” the statement said.
It further clarified that any enforcement steps taken by NAFDAC or other agencies without formal clearance from the OSGF should be considered invalid and disregarded by the public until an official decision is announced.
The OSGF assured Nigerians that legislative resolutions, economic implications, public health concerns and broader national interest considerations are being carefully assessed to ensure a coordinated and lawful outcome. The office added that the public would be informed once a final position is reached.
The suspension follows NAFDAC’s earlier announcement that the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and bottles smaller than 200 millilitres would be prohibited from December 2025. NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, said the move was intended to curb the abuse of low-cost alcohol, particularly among youths and commercial drivers.
The SGF’s intervention comes amid renewed pressure from the National Assembly, which has repeatedly called on NAFDAC to suspend enforcement of the ban in line with resolutions passed since 2024.
A December 1 letter from the Permanent Secretary (General Services), Mohammed Danjuma, to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, and the NAFDAC Director-General, referenced the House committee’s concerns and requested their input to enable the SGF to make an informed decision.
Meanwhile, the Senate had earlier approved a December 31, 2025, phase-out deadline after a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), who said the timeline aligned with global standards and aimed to reduce alcohol-related harm.