No federal directive to halt sachet alcohol ban, says NAFDAC
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has dismissed as false a report claiming that the Federal Government directed the agency to suspend enforcement actions on
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has dismissed as false a report claiming that the Federal Government directed the agency to suspend enforcement actions on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic products.
In a statement, the Director-General (DG) of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described the publication as inaccurate and misleading, insisting that no such directive was issued to the agency by the Federal Government.
The clarification comes in response to media reports claiming that NAFDAC was directed to halt enforcement of the sachet alcohol ban following a joint intervention by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) and Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). The reports alleged that both offices had expressed serious concerns over potential security risks arising from continued enforcement in the absence of a fully implemented National Alcohol Policy.
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However, the DG swiftly responded, saying, “The said publication is false, misleading, and does not reflect any official communication received by the agency from the Federal Government.’’
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She stressed that NAFDAC’s regulatory and enforcement activities remain guided strictly by law and valid government directives, noting that the agency had not received any instruction to halt actions relating to sachet alcohol products.
“NAFDAC operates strictly within the ambit of its statutory mandate and in alignment with duly communicated Federal Government policies and directives.
“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,” she asserted.
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Adeyeye reaffirmed the agency’s responsibility to protect public health and enforce compliance with established regulations, adding that any policy shift of national significance would only be announced through recognised government channels.
“The agency remains committed to safeguarding public health, ensuring regulatory compliance, and carrying out its responsibilities transparently and in accordance with established laws and due process.
“Any decision affecting national regulatory actions will be communicated through official government channels,” she said.
NAFDAC urged members of the public, industry operators and the media to disregard the report and rely solely on verified information released through the agency’s official platforms or authorised government communication channels.
The agency also warned against the spread of unverified reports, noting that such publications could generate unnecessary public anxiety, create economic uncertainty or lead to misinterpretation of government policy.
NAFDAC said it remained steadfast in pursuing its mandate in the national interest, stressing that its regulatory actions are aimed at protecting consumers and promoting public safety.
NAFDAC reiterated that its enforcement actions are guided by existing laws and public health considerations, assuring Nigerians that it will continue to act transparently and in line with due process while carrying out its regulatory responsibilities.
