By Our Correspondent
The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) has ordered an immediate suspension of the proposed ban on sachet alcoholic beverages and small PET bottles, pending a final government decision. The directive temporarily halts all enforcement actions by regulatory agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The proposed ban, initially aimed at protecting public health and curbing alcohol misuse among youths, had faced controversy and pushback from industry stakeholders, lawmakers, and consumers concerned about economic impacts and potential job losses.
In its directive, the SGF requested that the Minister of Health and Social Welfare provide a clarified and updated government position on the ban. This move ensures that a well-informed decision is made after consultations with relevant stakeholders and careful review of the policy’s implications.
Until the final decision is communicated, no enforcement of the ban will take place, providing time for further stakeholder engagement and legislative review. The government has emphasized that the public and industry players will be duly informed once the review process is complete.
