Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja — The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially denied reports circulating in some media outlets and on social platforms that it has been directed by the Federal Government to suspend enforcement actions on sachet alcohol and other small-volume alcoholic products. In a strongly worded statement, the agency described such publications as “false” and “misleading,” reaffirming its commitment to public health and regulatory enforcement.
The clarification, issued on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, comes amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny of alcoholic beverages sold in sachets and 200ml polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles — products that have been at the centre of national debate due to health concerns linked to their accessibility, especially among young Nigerians. Contrary to earlier claims attributed to a statement by a government official suggesting a halt in enforcement, NAFDAC maintained that no formal communication to that effect has been received from the Federal Government.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasised that the agency operates strictly within its statutory mandate and in alignment with officially communicated government policies. In her statement, Adeyeye clarified that the agency’s enforcement actions remain guided by existing laws and regulatory frameworks, and at no point has NAFDAC been instructed to stop its regulatory activities pertaining to sachet alcohol products.
“The said publication is false, misleading, and does not reflect any official communication received by the Agency from the Federal Government,” the statement read. “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.”
NAFDAC’s denial was echoed across multiple news outlets reporting on the rebuttal, with the agency urging the public, industry stakeholders and media organisations to rely only on verified information disseminated through its official channels and authorised government communication platforms. Officials also warned that unverified reports can trigger unnecessary public anxiety, economic uncertainty and misinterpretation of policy.
The issue of regulating sachet alcohol and small-volume alcoholic beverages has been part of Nigeria’s broader public health agenda for several years. Authorities and health advocates have argued that cheap, easily accessible alcoholic drinks contribute to harmful consumption patterns and social problems, particularly among youths and vulnerable populations. Critics, however, have highlighted concerns about potential job losses in the informal economy and disruption to small-scale traders.
Regulatory efforts intensified following earlier timelines set by NAFDAC and government entities to phase out production, distribution, and sale of alcohol in sachets and lower-volume bottles. Although a specific nationwide ban has been debated for years, NAFDAC’s current regulatory focus remains centred on enforcement of established standards to protect consumers from potentially harmful products while balancing economic considerations within the beverage sector.
Industry stakeholders, including producers, distributors and traders, have reacted to the controversy with mixed responses. Some manufacturers have publicly indicated compliance with regulatory frameworks by discontinuing production of smaller pack sizes, while others have expressed concern over the economic implications of more stringent enforcement without broader stakeholder engagement.
In defending its regulatory posture, NAFDAC reiterated that any significant changes to national regulatory actions will be communicated through formal government channels, underscoring the importance of transparency and due process. The agency’s position reflects ongoing efforts to strike a balance between public health imperatives and economic stability within Nigeria’s beverage industry.
The denial comes at a time when misinformation around government policies and enforcement actions — particularly those affecting commerce and public welfare — has increased across digital platforms. Public health experts and regulatory analysts have noted that unverified reports can undermine trust in institutions and complicate policy implementation, especially in sectors with widespread public interest.
NAFDAC’s statement also served as a reminder of its broader mandate to ensure the safety and quality of food, drugs, and other regulated products in Nigeria. The agency’s regulatory toolkit includes product registration, market surveillance, enforcement operations and public education, all designed to safeguard consumers and uphold confidence in the country’s regulatory system.
Moving forward, NAFDAC has indicated that it will continue its enforcement and regulatory activities on sachet alcohol products in line with statutory provisions and officially communicated policies. It urged members of the public not to be swayed by sensationalised or unverified reports and to seek information directly from official agency pronouncements.
The clarification may also signal a need for clearer communication channels between government agencies and the public, particularly on matters with potential economic and health impacts. As enforcement of existing regulations continues, monitoring and engagement with affected stakeholders will remain critical to achieving both compliance and broader public health goals without undue disruption.
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