SGF ORDERS IMMEDIATE HALT ON SACHET ALCOHOL BAN PENDING FINAL DECISION

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The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has directed a temporary suspension of all enforcement actions relating to the planned ban on sachet alc%holic beverages. The move follows an official correspondence from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control concerning the proposed restrictions.

In a statement on Monday, the OSGF, through its Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Terrence Kuanum, said the letter from the Committee, dated November 13, 2025, and signed by Deputy Chairman Uchenna Okonkwo, is currently under review. The Office emphasized that the matter is being considered “in line with its statutory coordinating role as Chairman of the Cabinet Secretariat.”

The statement clarified that any action taken by NAFDAC or other agencies on the matter without prior clearance from the SGF is invalid and should be disregarded by the public until a final directive is issued. Nigerians were assured that legislative resolutions, economic implications, public health concerns, and broader national interest considerations are being carefully examined.

NAFDAC had earlier announced that the production and sale of alc%holic beverages in sachets and bottles smaller than 200 millilitres would be prohibited by December 2025, citing the misuse of cheap alc%holic drinks among youths and drivers. However, the National Assembly has repeatedly called for a suspension of the ban pending further review.

A December 1 letter from the SGF’s Permanent Secretary, Mohammed Danjuma, to the Coordinating Minister of Health, Professor Muhammad Pate, and NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, requested their comments to enable an informed decision. The public will be formally informed once the SGF reaches a final position on the matter.

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