December 16, (THEWILL) — The Federal Government has ordered the immediate suspension of all actions and enforcement measures relating to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol products by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), pending the conclusion of consultations and issuance of a final directive.
The directive, issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), followed an official communication from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control.
A statement signed by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Terrence Kuanum, said the correspondence—dated November 13, 2025, and signed by the committee’s Deputy Chairman, Uchenna Harris Okonkwo—highlighted existing National Assembly resolutions on the proposed sachet alcohol ban.
The OSGF noted that the matter is under review in line with its statutory coordinating role as Chairman of the Cabinet Secretariat.
Consequently, all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies have been directed to halt any enforcement actions or related decisions until consultations are completed and a final position is formally announced.
“For the avoidance of doubt, any action or enforcement undertaken by NAFDAC or any other agency on this matter without due clearance and resolution by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is of no effect and should be disregarded by the public,” the statement said.
The Federal Government assured Nigerians that key considerations—including legislative resolutions, economic implications, public health concerns, and the broader national interest—are being carefully examined to ensure a balanced, lawful, and well-informed outcome.
The statement added that the public would be duly informed once a final decision has been reached.
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