NAFDAC Denies Federal Order to Halt Sachet Alcohol Enforcement

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has dismissed reports claiming that the Federal Government ordered it to suspend enforcement of regulations on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic products, describing the claims as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the agency said it had not received any official communication directing it to halt regulatory actions and remained fully committed to its statutory responsibility of protecting public health.

The rebuttal followed a media report alleging that the Federal Government had instructed NAFDAC to pause enforcement of the controversial regulations, which have sparked debate over access to alcohol by minors, substance abuse and broader public health concerns.

NAFDAC said the publication did not reflect the agency’s position or any directive from relevant authorities, stressing that it continued to operate strictly within the framework of existing laws and duly communicated government policies.

Agency rejects claims of suspension order

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said at no point had the agency received a formal instruction to suspend enforcement actions related to sachet alcohol and small-volume alcoholic beverages.

“The said publication is false, misleading, and does not reflect any official communication received by the agency from the Federal Government,” she said.

According to her, any decision affecting national regulatory actions would only be communicated through recognised government channels, and not through unofficial or speculative reports.

She added that the agency’s mandate remained clear: safeguarding public health, ensuring compliance with food and drug regulations and maintaining transparency in its operations.

Also read: Rivers, Lagos record highest underage intake of sachet alcohol — NAFDAC

NAFDAC also warned that misinformation surrounding sensitive public health policies could generate unnecessary anxiety, distort public understanding and create uncertainty within the regulated industries.

Public urged to rely on verified information

Adeyeye urged members of the public, manufacturers, distributors and the media to rely solely on verified updates from NAFDAC’s official platforms and authorized government communication outlets.

She said the agency would continue to engage stakeholders constructively while enforcing standards designed to protect consumers, especially young people and vulnerable populations.

The regulation of sachet alcohol and small-volume alcoholic beverages has remained a contentious policy issue in recent years, particularly over concerns about underage drinking, alcohol dependency and the long-term public health burden associated with widespread access to cheap alcohol.

While some industry players and consumer groups have argued for more flexible timelines and consultation, public health advocates have maintained that stricter controls are necessary to curb abuse and reduce alcohol-related harm.

NAFDAC said it remained committed to balancing economic considerations with its responsibility to protect public health, insisting that regulatory actions would continue to follow due process and established legal frameworks.

The agency also reiterated that any future changes to enforcement policies would be communicated transparently through official government channels to avoid confusion and misinformation.

For now, NAFDAC said it remains focused on its mandate of ensuring safe, regulated products in the Nigerian market while supporting broader efforts to promote public health, social stability and responsible consumption.