…says the Agency received no formal directive to suspend its enforcement of sachet alcohol ban.
Abuja, Nigeria – The iNews Times reports that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has dismissed claims that the Federal Government directed it to suspend enforcement actions concerning the regulation of sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic products.
The agency, in a statement issued Wednesday, described the media publication as false and misleading, stressing that it had not received any official communication from the Federal Government ordering a halt to its regulatory activities.
The report in question, attributed to a statement by the Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Terrence Kuanum, alleged that the Federal Government had directed NAFDAC to suspend enforcement related to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and small-volume alcoholic beverages.
However, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, firmly refuted the claim.
“The said publication is false, misleading, and does not reflect any official communication received by the Agency from the Federal Government,” Adeyeye stated.
“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 reiterated that NAFDAC operates strictly within its statutory mandate and in line with duly communicated Federal Government policies.
Adeyeye further assured that the agency remains committed to safeguarding public health, ensuring regulatory compliance, and executing its responsibilities transparently in accordance with established laws and due process.
“Any decision affecting national regulatory actions will be communicated through official government channels,” she added.
The agency urged members of the public, industry stakeholders, and media organisations to disregard the report and rely solely on verified information disseminated through NAFDAC’s official platforms and authorised government communication channels.
NAFDAC also cautioned against spreading unverified information capable of creating public anxiety, economic uncertainty, or misinterpretation of government policy.
The regulation of sachet alcohol and small-volume alcoholic beverages has generated nationwide debate in recent years, amid concerns over underage consumption, substance abuse, and broader public health risks.
