JUST IN: FG Directs NAFDAC To Stop Enforcement Of Sachet Alcohol Ban
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JUST IN: FG Directs NAFDAC to Stop Enforcement of Sachet Alcohol Ban

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Sachet Alcohol

The Federal Government has instructed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to immediately suspend enforcement activities linked to the proposed prohibition of sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks packaged in 200ml PET bottles.

The directive also cautioned the regulatory body against shutting down factories or sealing warehouses in connection with the planned restriction.

This instruction was revealed in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja by Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

According to Kuanum, the decision followed a joint intervention by the SGF’s Office and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), both of which expressed concerns over potential security consequences of enforcing the ban without the full implementation of a National Alcohol Policy.

The statement explained that all enforcement-related actions concerning the sachet alcohol ban must be placed on hold until consultations are completed and the National Alcohol Policy is fully operational, alongside the issuance of a final government directive.

Although the Federal Ministry of Health has signed the National Alcohol Policy in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive, the SGF and NSA offices insisted that enforcement should not commence until implementation guidelines are properly established.

The government stressed that enforcement actions such as closing factories, sealing storage facilities, and promoting the ban publicly must be suspended for now.

Officials warned that ongoing warehouse closures and what they described as an unofficial ban on sachet alcohol could trigger economic disruptions. These disruptions, they noted, may negatively affect employment, supply chains, and informal distribution systems across the country.

Kuanum also highlighted that the directive reinforces an earlier order issued by the SGF’s Office in December 2025, which suspended enforcement measures pending wider consultations and a final decision.

Additionally, the SGF’s Office acknowledged receiving a letter from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control dated November 13, 2025. The letter, referenced NASS/10/HR/CT.53/77 and signed by Deputy Chairman Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo, raised concerns about NAFDAC’s enforcement plans and referenced previous resolutions of the National Assembly.

The Federal Government stated that it is currently reviewing legislative decisions, public health concerns, economic effects, and broader national interest considerations before reaching a final conclusion.

Authorities also noted that the involvement of the National Security Adviser indicates that the matter extends beyond regulatory concerns. They warned that enforcing the ban prematurely without coordinated policies could heighten unemployment, destabilise local communities, and create security challenges.

The government assured Nigerians and industry stakeholders that a final position would be announced after comprehensive consultations and inter-agency collaboration, prioritising public health, economic stability, and national security.

NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, had earlier linked sachet alcohol packaging to rising alcohol abuse levels in the country.

Ryan is the publisher of AbilityDigitalz and a digital media enthusiast focused on delivering timely news and informative stories covering politics, society, entertainment, and global developments.

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JUST IN: Three Soldiers Killed as Suspected Terrorists Attack Military Camp in Kwara

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Kwara Map

Suspected terrorists have attacked a military camp in Kemanji community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, leaving three soldiers dead, according to security sources.

The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Monday around 3 a.m., causing panic in the area as heavy gunfire was heard across the community.

A resident who spoke anonymously told Vanguard that the attackers stormed the camp unexpectedly, catching some soldiers off guard.

“Few of the soldiers were asleep around 3 am today when the terrorists invaded their camp and killed three of them before others launched a reprisal attack,” the source said.

The attackers were said to have engaged troops in a gunfight, leading to casualties on the military side, while the exact losses among the assailants remain unknown.

Security operatives reportedly launched a counter-offensive in an attempt to repel the attackers.

The source also noted that the location of Kemanji, a border community surrounded by thick forests, may have contributed to the vulnerability of the area.

“Kemanji is a border community… so there are thick forests around the place,” the source added.

The attack has raised renewed concerns over security in border communities in Kwara State, where difficult terrain is often believed to provide cover for armed groups

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How Federal Government Reportedly Cleared Saraki in Offa Bank Robbery

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New details have emerged suggesting that the Federal Government previously found no link between former Senate President Bukola Saraki and the 2018 Offa bank robbery incident in Kwara State, according to reports.

The development comes amid renewed legal proceedings initiated by the Kwara State Government, which recently filed fresh charges against Saraki and former governor Abdulfattah Ahmed in connection with the deadly attack.

Reports cited by The Tribune indicate that the conclusion was reached after legal and investigative reviews conducted at the federal level. The process reportedly involved the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, who assessed police investigation files submitted by the Nigeria Police Intelligence Response Team.

A 16-page investigation report covering the April 5, 2018 armed robbery in Offa, which resulted in multiple deaths, was reviewed during the process.

In a legal advice dated June 22, 2018, the DPP stated that there was insufficient evidence linking Saraki and the then governor to the crime. The document noted: “for the Senate President (Saraki) and the Kwara State governor (Ahmed), his office is unable to establish from the evidence in the interim report a nexus between the alleged offence and the suspects. Hence, it is our advice that further and thorough investigation in this regard be carried out.”

A subsequent review of additional findings in July 2018 reportedly led to a second legal advice issued on August 23, 2018. The conclusion remained unchanged regarding Saraki’s alleged involvement.

The document further stated: “with regards to the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, since there is no departure from the earlier findings in the interim report, this office is still unable to establish any prima facie case against him for any offences of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, and culpable homicide punishable with death.”

Following the review, six suspects were recommended for prosecution. One of them later died in custody, while others were tried and convicted at the High Court in Ilorin. The convictions were upheld by the Court of Appeal, with the case now pending before the Supreme Court.

Some of the accused persons reportedly told the court they were pressured to implicate Saraki, alleging inducements such as promises of money and travel opportunities, though the trial proceeded regardless.

The case has continued to generate political reactions, with the APC elders’ caucus in Kwara Central advising Saraki to address the matter in court rather than in the media.

The group also expressed support for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, saying the renewed legal action reflects efforts to ensure accountability and justice for victims of the Offa robbery.

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BREAKING: Bandits Attack Kwara Community, Reportedly Kill Soldiers and Other Residents

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Bandits

Armed bandits have attacked Kemanji village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, leaving several people dead, including soldiers, according to security sources.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 3 a.m. on Monday. Security sources who spoke to DAILY POST confirmed that both civilians and members of the security forces were affected in the attack.

Eyewitness accounts indicated that personnel of the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes engaged the attackers in a gunfight that lasted until around 5 a.m.

While it was confirmed that some soldiers were killed during the confrontation, the full extent of casualties has not yet been officially determined.

This latest attack comes shortly after armed groups reportedly invaded nearby Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area, where several people were killed, homes were burnt, and more than 100 residents were abducted and remain in captivity.

In a separate incident, suspected bandits on Sunday reportedly attacked Ora Ayegbaju in Obbo-Ile, located in Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

During the attack, three brothers identified as AbdulJareem Adamu, AbdulJareem Yunusa, and AbdulJareem Yusuf—were severely injured. Other residents fled the area for safety.

The injured victims are currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Osi town.

Authorities have yet to issue an official response regarding both incidents as of Monday.

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