The Federal Government has suspended enforcement of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s (NAFDAC) planned ban on sachet and small-volume alcoholic drinks, pending a comprehensive review and stakeholder consultations.
The decision, announced on Monday, December 15, 2025, follows concerns over the economic impact and legal basis of the ban.
The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) directed that all enforcement actions, including measures against 200 ml PET bottles, be put on hold until a final policy directive is issued.
The suspension comes after a letter from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control, dated November 13, 2025, highlighted pending National Assembly resolutions and called for broader consultations.
The OSGF emphasized that any enforcement action by NAFDAC or other agencies without its clearance should be considered invalid.
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Originally set to take effect by December 31, 2025, the ban had generated debates over potential job losses, economic consequences, and public health concerns.
The suspension preserves the status quo while the government reviews the policy to ensure a balanced and legally sound approach.