The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has called on Federal Ministry of Health to give clarification on the enforcement policy on the ban of sachet alcoholic drinks and small-volume PET bottle spirits by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
The move follows renewed pressure from the National Assembly, which has repeatedly accused NAFDAC of pushing ahead with the ban.
Recall that there was an earlier parliamentary resolution asking the agency to suspend enforcement but the agency pegged December 31st as deadline to halt sales.
The request was contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary (General Services), Mohammed Danjuma, and addressed to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, and the NAFDAC Director-General.
Danjuma, writing on behalf of the SGF, Senator George Akume, referenced concerns from the House Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control, which insisted that resolutions passed since 2024 had not been honoured.
The committee’s letter, Ref. No. NASS/10/HR/CT.53/77, dated November 13, 2025, prompted the SGF’s demand for an updated government position.
“In reference to the attached letter dated November 13 from the House of Reps Committee on the above subject (Re: NAFDAC to enforce sachet alcohol ban from December 2025), we request your comments to enable the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to take an informed decision,” the letter read. “While we accept your prompt response, please accept the warm regards of the SGF.”
While awaiting the ministry’s response, the SGF maintained that the government required “a clear and informed position” before deciding whether to proceed with or halt the December 2025 enforcement.
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