The Federal Government has asked NAFDAC to pause its clampdown on sachet alcohol and small bottled alcoholic drinks following growing concerns about its impact on jobs and public order.

The instruction means NAFDAC must stop shutting down factories, sealing warehouses, and treating sachet alcohol as if it has already been fully banned.

Government sources explained that the decision was taken after top offices, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the National Security Adviser, reviewed the situation and warned that enforcing the ban too quickly could create bigger problems than expected.

Instead of moving ahead with forceful actions, the agency has been told to wait until Nigeria’s National Alcohol Policy is fully in place and a final decision is announced.

Sachet alcohol has been a hot topic in Nigeria for years. Health officials argue that it encourages excessive drinking, especially among young people, because it is cheap and easy to buy.
Recently, NAFDAC began sealing warehouses and factories producing these products, sending a signal that sachet alcohol would soon disappear from the market.

But this move triggered backlash from lawmakers and business groups who said thousands of people depend on the trade for survival; from factory workers to small roadside sellers.

The government also warned that cutting off supply suddenly could disrupt informal markets and worsen unemployment, which may lead to security challenges in some communities.

Because of these concerns, authorities decided to slow things down and return to the discussion table.

The Federal Government says it is now reviewing health risks, economic effects, and public interest before making a final call. Nigerians and industry players have been assured that any new decision will be clearly communicated after proper consultations.

For now, sachet alcohol remains in circulation, while government agencies rethink the best way to regulate it without causing wider harm.