FG Suspends Enforcement of Sachet Alcohol Ban

The Federal Government has stepped in to suspend the enforcement of the ban on sachet alcohol and small bottled alcoholic drinks, calling on NAFDAC to immediately stop sealing factories and warehouses involved in production.

Officials said the ban cannot be fully implemented until the National Alcohol Policy is finalized and proper regulations are in place. They noted that continuing enforcement prematurely could disrupt businesses, threaten jobs, and destabilize local distribution channels.

The government’s directive also responds to growing concerns from industry players and civil society groups, who have criticized the ban as potentially harmful to livelihoods and local economies.

Legal actions are ongoing as advocacy groups push for clarity on the policy, reflecting broader debates over how to balance public health priorities with economic realities in Nigeria.