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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has firmly denied a media report claiming the Federal Government ordered it to suspend enforcement actions on the regulation of sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic products.
In a statement issued today, NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye described the publication as “false and misleading,” clarifying that the agency has received no such official communication from the Federal Government.
The Disputed Report
The disputed report, issued in Abuja by Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), alleged that authorities had directed NAFDAC to pause all enforcement related to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and small PET bottle alcoholic beverages.
Prof. Adeyeye stressed that NAFDAC operates strictly within its statutory mandate and in full alignment with communicated Federal Government policies. She said:
“The said publication is false, misleading, and does not reflect any official communication received by the Agency from the Federal Government. At no time has the Agency received any formal directive ordering the suspension of its regulatory or enforcement activities in respect of sachet alcohol products.”
The Director-General reiterated NAFDAC’s unwavering commitment to protecting public health, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fulfilling its responsibilities with transparency and adherence to established laws and due process. She added that any decision affecting national regulatory actions would be communicated through official government channels.
Call for Verified Information
Prof. Adeyeye urged the public, industry stakeholders, and media to disregard the report and rely solely on verified information from NAFDAC’s official platforms. She cautioned against the spread of unverified information that could cause unnecessary public anxiety, economic uncertainty, or misinterpretation of government policy.
Background on Sachet Alcohol Regulation Debate
The regulation of sachet alcohol (commonly called “ogogoro” or “local gin”) and 200ml PET bottles has been a contentious issue in Nigeria for years:
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Proponents of the ban: Argue that low-cost, high-alcohol products contribute to substance abuse, underage drinking, and chronic liver disease.
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Opponents: Contend that a ban devastates livelihoods, fuels black-market trade, and ignores the economic realities of low-income consumers.
NAFDAC has led enforcement efforts in recent weeks, including raids on production sites and seizures of counterfeit products. This latest confusion highlights a rift between regulatory goals and perceived economic or security pressures within different arms of the establishment.
