——The directive also compels the regulatory agency to end its nationwide sealing of factories, depots, and warehouses in connection with the proposed restriction.
The Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to suspend its ongoing crackdown on the production and distribution of sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic beverages nationwide.
NAFDAC had recently intensified enforcement actions aimed at curbing the sale of small-sized alcoholic drinks, citing public health concerns and the rising abuse of alcohol among young people. The operation led to the closure of several production facilities and the seizure of products across multiple states.
However, the Tinubu administration has intervened, stressing the need to balance public health objectives with economic realities and job protection in the manufacturing and distribution sectors.
According to sources within the federal government, the suspension is intended to allow for broader consultations with stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors, public health experts, and labour unions, to develop a more sustainable regulatory framework.
The government reportedly expressed concern over the potential loss of thousands of jobs and the disruption of small businesses that depend on the sachet alcohol value chain for survival.
Industry operators had earlier protested the enforcement, warning that the closures could cripple local production and worsen unemployment at a time of economic hardship.
With the new directive, all previously sealed facilities are expected to reopen, while NAFDAC is to pause further enforcement actions pending a comprehensive policy review.
The development has sparked mixed reactions, with manufacturers welcoming the decision as a relief, while public health advocates continue to call for stricter controls on alcohol consumption, especially among youths.
The federal government has assured Nigerians that any future regulation on sachet alcohol will be guided by inclusive dialogue, public interest, and economic sustainability.