NAFDAC Denies FG Directive to Halt Sachet Alcohol Ban

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has denied reports claiming that the Federal Government directed it to stop enforcing the ban on sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks packaged in 200ml PET bottles.

Earlier, NAFDAC had announced a ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml alcoholic drinks, explaining that these products pose serious health risks to the public. As part of the enforcement, the Agency also sealed factories and premises involved in producing and distributing the affected products.

In a statement signed by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, she described the recent publication as false and misleading. She said the Agency has not received any official instruction from the Federal Government to suspend its enforcement activities.

The denial follows a report claiming that the Federal Government had ordered NAFDAC to halt all enforcement activities connected to the controversial ban. According to the report, the directive allegedly issued in Abuja and signed by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Terrence Kuanum, instructed the Agency to stop sealing factories and warehouses.

The report further claimed that the decision was based on concerns that continued enforcement, pending full implementation of the National Alcohol Policy, could disrupt the economy and pose security risks.

Prof. Adeyeye explained that NAFDAC carries out its duties based on its legal mandate and follows only properly communicated government directives. She added that any major decision affecting regulatory actions would be officially announced through the appropriate government channels.

She assured the public that the Agency remains committed to protecting public health, ensuring compliance with regulations, and carrying out its work in a transparent and lawful manner.

She therefore urges the public, industry stakeholders, and the media to ignore the false report and rely only on information released through its official platforms and authorised government channels. It also warned against spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary fear, confusion, or economic uncertainty.