There is uncertainty over Nigeria’s proposed ban on sachet and small-volume alcoholic drinks despite a December 31 enforcement deadline set by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

NAFDAC had announced plans to enforce a nationwide ban on the production, sale and distribution of sachet and other alcoholic beverages below 200ml from the end of 2025, citing public health concerns, rising alcohol abuse, and the ease with which underage consumers can access cheap, easily concealable drinks.

The Nigerian Senate had backed the ban and issued an ultimatum to the agency to begin enforcement by December 31. However, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) directed that all enforcement actions be suspended until further notice.

NAFDAC has not formally withdrawn the policy, but when contacted on whether the ban would take effect as planned, an official told BusinessDay that the directives from the Senate and the OSGF had left enforcement in limbo.

“I cannot confirm that we are enforcing the ban for now. We are in the middle,” the official said.

“I even spoke with the director in charge of enforcement and he does not know. But by the first week of January, we should know the way forward,” he added.

The OSGF’s directive followed correspondence from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control, which urged a review of the planned enforcement.

The office said it would carefully examine all relevant legislative resolutions, economic implications, public health concerns, and broader national interest considerations to ensure a balanced, lawful, and well-coordinated outcome.

The ban announcement had sparked public debate. While health advocates, lawyers the Senate , among others support the ban, other stakeholders including manufacturers and the House committee have raised concerns.

Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), warned that the ban could be counterproductive and cause significant economic disruption.

He said it could result in the loss of over N1.9 trillion in investment, mass retrenchment of more than 500,000 direct employees and approximately five million indirect jobs, reduced manufacturing capacity utilisation, and the collapse of indigenous businesses.

He further cautioned that, beyond these losses, a ban could fuel the proliferation of illicit and unregulated alcoholic substances beyond the reach of regulatory authorities. (BusinessDay)