The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has restated its commitment to the nationwide ban on sachet alcohol, clarifying that the temporary suspension of the ban is valid only until December 31, 2025.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday, the Director of the agency’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Directorate, Kenneth Azikiwe, said the ministerial approval that temporarily lifted the ban was not a permanent reversal but a provisional measure.

“After this date, the full enforcement of the ban will commence,” Azikiwe affirmed, urging the public to disregard any misinformation suggesting a permanent lifting of the restriction.

He explained that the temporary relief granted by the Minister of Health was intended to provide manufacturers and regulators with time to collaborate on a more structured and effective implementation of the policy.

Azikiwe also noted that NAFDAC had intensified public sensitisation efforts across all states, with support from key industry stakeholders.

He specifically commended the Distillers and Beverages Association of Nigeria for their role in promoting public awareness of the policy.

Reiterating the agency’s resolve, Azikiwe assured the public that NAFDAC remained focused on regulating alcohol consumption and confirmed that sachet alcohol products containing less than 200 millilitres would be completely phased out after the deadline.