National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has firmly rejected claims that federal government ordered it to suspend its ongoing crackdown on the production and sale of sachet alcohol across Nigeria.
Gatekeepers News reports that the agency clarified that it has not received any instruction from the Federal Government to halt its enforcement actions, describing reports circulating on social media as false, misleading, and capable of causing public confusion.
NAFDAC recently began strict enforcement of the ban on alcohol packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, following long-standing concerns over public health, abuse, and underage consumption.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the director-general of the agency, Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC stressed that it operates strictly within the limits of its legal mandate and in line with officially communicated government policies.
She stated that at no point had the agency received any formal directive instructing it to suspend regulatory or enforcement actions related to sachet alcohol.
“NAFDAC operates strictly within the ambit of its statutory mandate and in alignment with duly communicated Federal Government policies and directives. 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,” the statement said.
The agency explained that its enforcement drive is part of a broader national effort to reduce alcohol abuse, protect young people, and curb the harmful health and social effects linked to cheap and easily accessible alcoholic drinks.
Health experts have repeatedly warned that sachet alcohol encourages excessive drinking, especially among teenagers and low-income groups, contributing to rising cases of addiction, road accidents, violence, and health complications.
NAFDAC added that any major change in national regulatory actions would always be formally announced through recognised government channels. It urged the public, manufacturers, distributors, and the media to ignore unverified reports and rely only on official updates released through its authorised platforms and government communication outlets.
“NAFDAC, therefore, urges members of the public, industry stakeholders, and the media to disregard the false report and to rely only on verified information issued through the Agency’s official platforms and authorised government communication channels,” the agency stated.
The agency also warned against spreading unconfirmed information that could create unnecessary fear, disrupt businesses, or distort government policies. It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health, supporting economic stability, and acting in the national interest.
NAFDAC said enforcement efforts will continue nationwide, including monitoring production sites, distribution channels, and retail outlets, to ensure full compliance with existing regulations on alcoholic beverages.
