SGF Steps In as Nigeria Awaits Clarity on Controversial Ban on Sachet Alcohol and Small PET Spirits

Nigeria’s ongoing debate over the ban on sachet alcoholic drinks and small PET bottle spirits took a new turn as the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) formally demanded clarification from the Federal Ministry of Health on the proposed December 31 enforcement date. The development has reopened concerns among manufacturers, distributors, low-income consumers, and public health advocates, with many now wondering whether the government intends to proceed with the policy as earlier announced by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) or reconsider its approach in the face of rising economic pressures.

The SGF’s request, which insiders say was triggered by mounting tension across the beverage and manufacturing sectors, signals potential uncertainty within the government itself. NAFDAC had earlier insisted that the ban—targeting alcohol packaged in sachets and bottles of 200ml and below—would become fully enforceable by the end of the year after a phased withdrawal agreement reached with industry players in 2018. But with only weeks left to the deadline, protests, petitions, and appeals have surged, pushing the matter back to the front burner of national discourse.

For months, manufacturers have argued that such a policy, implemented during an economic downturn, would lead to job losses running into tens of thousands. The Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) previously claimed that over 5,000 direct jobs and more than 50,000 auxiliary roles could disappear if the ban is enforced without a viable transition plan. Beyond job concerns, the group warned that shutting down legal production would allow illicit and unregulated alcohol to flood the market, posing even greater health risks than the products NAFDAC seeks to eliminate.

On the other hand, NAFDAC has maintained that the decision was motivated by public health concerns, citing studies that link the easy accessibility of small packaged alcohol to rising underage drinking, addiction rates, and alcohol-related violence. According to the agency, the small units make it possible for minors to purchase alcohol cheaply and discreetly, fueling a pattern of early dependency with long-term consequences. But consumer groups have countered this, arguing that the real issue is law enforcement, not packaging size, and that eliminating sachet alcohol—often the only affordable option for low-income earners—punishes the poor more than it protects the youth.

The SGF’s intervention underscores the gravity of the situation. Top government sources revealed that the clarification demanded from the Health Ministry aims to determine whether due process was followed in reviewing the ban, whether adequate stakeholder consultations were conducted recently, and whether the December 31 deadline remains realistic or should be postponed. The Ministry of Health, which supervises NAFDAC, is expected to provide updated data, reports of stakeholder engagements, and recommendations to guide the government’s final position.

This move has sparked hope among industry players who believe the government may be considering a middle ground. Some insiders suggest that the SGF’s query could lead to either a phased extension, a modification of the policy, or an outright suspension pending further review. For those in the beverage sector, any measure that allows them to remain in business during the ongoing inflation crisis would be seen as a lifeline.

However, public health advocates are urging the government not to bend under pressure. Several NGOs focused on substance abuse prevention insist that sachet alcohol has become a major social menace, encouraging street-level alcoholism, addiction among young adults, and excessive consumption due to its affordability. They argue that delaying or weakening the ban would amount to prioritizing profits over the health of the population. According to them, the policy has been in discussion for more than six years—ample time for manufacturers to adjust their operations to align with global standards.

Meanwhile, the brewing tension is also evident among traders and low-income consumers who fear price increases if the ban is upheld. Many small retailers rely heavily on sachet drinks to sustain daily income, especially in motor parks, roadside kiosks, and small neighbourhood shops. Some sellers note that though the health concerns are valid, the government needs a more comprehensive approach that includes awareness campaigns, strict enforcement of age restrictions, and control of public consumption spaces rather than eliminating products from legal circulation.

As discussions continue, Nigerians are closely watching for the Ministry of Health’s official response. The SGF’s action has effectively shifted the spotlight back to the Ministry, which must now explain whether the ban is supported by updated research, whether its socio-economic impact has been fully assessed, and whether its potential benefits outweigh the immediate hardships it may impose.

The controversies surrounding the ban also reflect a deeper struggle within Nigeria’s policy ecosystem: the challenge of aligning public health priorities with economic realities. With inflation at record highs, unemployment rising, and many households struggling to survive, any policy perceived as threatening livelihoods is bound to face pushback. Yet, the unchecked consumption of cheap alcohol among minors and vulnerable groups remains a pressing issue that the government cannot afford to ignore.

For now, the nation is suspended between competing interests. Manufacturers are lobbying for relief, public health activists are pushing for the ban to proceed, retailers are fearing loss of livelihood, and consumers are bracing for possible price shocks. NAFDAC insists that safeguarding public health is non-negotiable, while the business community argues that such protection should not come at the cost of economic collapse.

As the December 31 deadline approaches, all eyes will remain on the Federal Ministry of Health and its formal response to the SGF’s inquiry. That single document could determine whether Nigeria proceeds full throttle with a historic shift in alcohol regulation or steps back to reassess the balance between health, economics, and social realities. Until then, uncertainty continues to sweep through the market, leaving stakeholders anxious and Nigerians waiting to see where the pendulum will finally swing.