Ban on Sachet Alcohol Remains in Force as NAFDAC Denies Receiving Suspension Orders
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially debunked media reports claiming the Federal Government ordered a suspension of the ban on sachet and small-volume PET bottle alcoholic products.
In a statement released on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the agency labeled the reports “false and misleading,” asserting that no official directive has been received to halt enforcement. The controversy stems from a news report citing Terrence Kuanum, a Special Adviser to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, which alleged that NAFDAC had been instructed to stand down on the regulation of alcohol in sachets and 200ml PET bottles.
However, NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye clarified that the agency remains committed to its statutory mandate, operating only under formal government policies.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye firmly dismissed the reports as fabricated, stating that they do not align with any official correspondence between the Federal Government and NAFDAC. She clarified that the agency has never been formally instructed to cease its enforcement or regulatory measures against sachet alcohol products.
Reaffirming the agency’s mission, Adeyeye emphasized that NAFDAC remains dedicated to protecting public health and ensuring all stakeholders comply with safety regulations. She maintained that the agency will continue to perform its duties with transparency, strictly adhering to the rule of law and established governmental procedures.
Prof. Adeyeye emphasized that any significant shifts in national regulatory policy would only be conveyed through formal, official government channels. She urged the public, media, and industry stakeholders to ignore the unverified reports and instead rely on authenticated updates from NAFDAC’s official platforms or authorized government spokespeople.
The agency further warned that spreading unconfirmed information creates unnecessary public panic, economic instability, and confusion regarding state policies. NAFDAC reaffirmed its dedication to balancing public health with national economic interests. This clarification comes amid a long-standing national debate over sachet and small-volume alcoholic drinks, as regulators weigh the economic impact against the rising risks of underage drinking and substance abuse.
