No Directive from FG to Halt Sachet Alcohol Ban — NAFDAC

In response to a media allegation, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) denied that the Federal Government had ordered it to halt enforcement activities over the regulation of alcoholic goods in 200ml PET bottles and sachets.

The agency insisted that the Federal Government had not issued any such direction and characterized the release as inaccurate and deceptive.

In a statement released on Wednesday, NAFDAC made it clear that it was still operating in accordance with the government’s formally declared policy and within the parameters of its statutory mission.

Following a report based on a statement purportedly made in Abuja by Terrence Kuanum, the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, it was reported that the clarification came after the Federal Government reportedly ordered a halt to enforcement actions related to the proposed ban on small-volume alcoholic drinks and sachet alcohol.

NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, however, strongly denied the allegation, emphasizing that the organization had not been given any directive to halt its regulatory operations.

The publication in question, she said, is inaccurate, deceptive, and does not represent any formal correspondence that the Agency has received from the federal government.

“A formal directive directing the Agency to halt its enforcement or regulatory actions concerning sachet alcohol products has never been issued.”

NAFDAC’s commitment to protecting public health and guaranteeing regulatory compliance in the food and medicine industry was reaffirmed by Adeyeye.

In compliance with existing regulations and due procedure, the agency fulfills its duties in a transparent manner, she said.

She also said that formal government channels will be used to convey any decisions that had an impact on national regulatory measures.

The head of NAFDAC advised the public, business stakeholders, and media to ignore the story and only depend on verified information made available via the agency’s official platforms and approved government communication channels.

Additionally, the agency cautioned against the dissemination of unsubstantiated material that could lead to unwarranted public nervousness, economic instability, or misunderstandings of governmental policies.

It also restated its dedication to work in the best interests of the country, safeguard public health, and advance economic stability.

Due to worries about underage access, drug misuse, and wider public health hazards, the regulation of sachet alcohol and other small-volume alcoholic beverages has continued to be a topic of national discussion in recent years.

Divergent opinions on the proposed limits have been voiced by stakeholders in the manufacturing and health sectors. While industry participants advocate for broader consultations and phased implementation, authorities have placed a strong emphasis on safety and public health.