SGF, NSA intervene as government suspends factory closures and sealings pending full rollout of National Alcohol Policy

The Federal Government has ordered the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to immediately suspend all enforcement actions tied to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and alcoholic beverages packaged in 200ml PET bottles.

The directive, issued Wednesday, bars the agency from sealing factories or warehouses over the controversial policy, citing mounting economic strain and emerging security concerns.

In a statement released in Abuja, Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said the decision followed a joint intervention by the Office of the SGF and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

According to the statement, continued enforcement in the absence of a fully implemented National Alcohol Policy could worsen unemployment, disrupt fragile supply chains, and destabilize informal distribution networks across the country.

“Accordingly, all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures relating to the ongoing ban on sachet alcohol are to be suspended pending final consultations, full implementation of the National Alcohol Policy, and the issuance of a definitive directive,” the statement read.

Although the Federal Ministry of Health has signed the National Alcohol Policy in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive, the SGF and NSA offices insisted that NAFDAC refrain from any enforcement steps — including factory shutdowns, warehouse sealings, or public pronouncements reinforcing the ban — until the policy is fully operational and further guidance is issued.

The latest move reinforces an earlier suspension issued by the SGF’s office in December 2025, which halted enforcement pending broader stakeholder consultations.

Kuanum disclosed that the SGF had also received a letter from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control, dated November 13, 2025, raising concerns over NAFDAC’s enforcement plans. The letter, referenced NASS/10/HR/CT.53/77 and signed by Deputy Chairman Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo, cited previous National Assembly resolutions on the issue.

The Federal Government stressed that the matter has evolved beyond regulatory oversight. The involvement of the NSA signals concerns about possible community unrest, job losses, and wider security implications should enforcement proceed without coordinated planning.

Authorities assured stakeholders that consultations are ongoing, with legislative resolutions, public health objectives, economic realities, and national interest considerations all under review. A final decision, the government said, will follow comprehensive inter-agency engagement.

The suspension comes amid sustained controversy surrounding the sachet alcohol ban. NAFDAC had earlier announced plans to enforce restrictions beginning late 2025 or early 2026, following Senate resolutions aimed at curbing underage drinking and alcohol abuse. However, repeated suspensions, industry resistance, and reports of resumed enforcement in some locations have fueled confusion and uncertainty within the sector.