The Federal Government has instructed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to halt all enforcement actions related to the ban on sachet alcohol and alcoholic beverages packaged in 200ml PET bottles. The directive, issued on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, aims to address security concerns and allow for the full implementation of a National Alcohol Policy.

According to a statement by Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), NAFDAC has been ordered to cease sealing factories and warehouses involved in the production or storage of these products. This decision stems from a joint intervention by the Office of the SGF and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), who highlighted potential security risks associated with the continued enforcement of the ban without a comprehensive National Alcohol Policy in place.

While the Federal Ministry of Health has signed the National Alcohol Policy, in accordance with President Bola Tinubu’s directive, both the SGF and ONSA insist that NAFDAC must refrain from any enforcement measures until the policy is fully implemented and further directives are issued. The suspension encompasses factory shutdowns, warehouse sealing, and public campaigns emphasizing the sachet alcohol ban.

The government emphasized that the continued sealing of warehouses and the implementation of a “de facto ban” without a harmonized policy framework were causing significant disruptions. The directive reinforces an earlier instruction from the SGF’s office in December 2025, which had already suspended actions related to the proposed ban pending consultations and a final decision.

The Federal Government is currently reviewing legislative resolutions, public health considerations, economic implications, and broader national interest factors before making a final decision. The involvement of the National Security Adviser underscores that the issue extends beyond mere regulatory concerns. The government cautioned that premature enforcement could destabilize communities, exacerbate unemployment, and trigger security challenges.

The government has assured Nigerians and industry stakeholders that a final decision will be communicated after consultations and inter-agency coordination, balancing public health, economic stability, and national security.

NAFDAC initially began enforcing the ban on alcohol sold in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 200ml on February 1, 2024. The aim was to curb health risks and widespread abuse associated with cheap, easily accessible alcoholic beverages, particularly among minors and vulnerable populations. In May 2025, NAFDAC clarified that the temporary lifting of the ban was only valid until December 31, 2025, reiterating that the phase-out of sachet alcohol products below 200ml was not permanently reversed.

The suspension of enforcement provides relief to manufacturers, who had warned that the policy could threaten over 500,000 direct jobs and approximately 5 million indirect jobs. They also highlighted that investments estimated at ₦1.9 trillion could be jeopardized. Furthermore, it helps avert potential revenue losses to the Federal Government from excise duties and taxes collected from the sector.

For small and medium-scale enterprises operating across the alcohol value chain, the directive reduces the immediate risk of shutdowns and supply chain disruptions. However, the broader debate between public health objectives and economic considerations remains unresolved, with a final policy direction expected after ongoing consultations.