The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has been directed by the federal government to cease all enforcement efforts related to the proposed prohibition on alcoholic drinks in 200ml PET bottles and sachets.

Additionally, the government ordered the agency to stop sealing factories and warehouses associated with the issue right away.

In an Abuja statement on Wednesday, Terrence Kuanum, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was informed of this by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs.

According to Kuanum, the instruction was issued following a joint intervention by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, which emphasised the security dangers associated with enforcing the law until the National Alcohol Policy was completely implemented.

In light of this, the statement stated that "all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures relating to the ongoing ban on sachet alcohol are to be suspended pending the issuance of a final directive and the completion of final consultations and implementation of the National Alcohol Policy."

He noted that while the Federal Ministry of Health had approved the National Alcohol Policy as directed by President Bola Tinubu, both offices stressed that NAFDAC should halt all enforcement activities until the policy is fully put into effect and further instructions are provided.

According to the government, this entails halting public campaigns advocating for the prohibition on sachet alcohol as well as factory closures and warehouse seizures.

Without a single policy framework, the statement claimed that the continuous warehouse closures and the "de facto ban" on sachet alcohol products were already upsetting the economy and posing security threats, especially to jobs, supply chains, and unofficial distribution networks nationwide.

Kuanum went on to say that this stance supported a previous order issued by the SGF's office in December 2025, which put a halt to all activities pertaining to the proposed prohibition while deliberations and a final determination were conducted.

He further noted that the SGF’s office had received a letter from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control, dated November 13, 2025, expressing concerns about NAFDAC’s proposed enforcement actions and citing existing National Assembly resolutions on the matter.

The letter, which was signed by Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo, the committee's deputy chairman, and cited NASS/10/HR/CT.53/77, emphasised the legislative position and the suggested steps.

According to the Federal Government, it is examining the issue's legislative resolutions, public health implications, economic effects, and national interest concerns.

Prioritising public health, economic stability, and national security, the government promised Nigerians and industry stakeholders that a final decision would be made after discussions and inter-agency collaboration.