The Federal Government of Nigeria has put a halt to the enforcement of a proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic beverages by directing the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to cease all related actions. This decision comes as a response to a joint intervention by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the National Security Adviser, who expressed apprehensions regarding the security ramifications of strict enforcement without a fully established National Alcohol Policy in place.

The official statement released by Terrence Kuanum, the Special Adviser on Public Affairs, highlighted that the government is urging immediate cessation of activities such as sealing factories and warehouses that are in connection with the enforcement of the ban. The directive indicates an understanding that the premature implementation of the ban could lead to unrest and security challenges, a consideration that the government is taking seriously amid ongoing discussions about alcohol regulation in the country.

This suspension reflects the government's focus on balancing public health initiatives with security concerns. By withholding the ban, the authorities are allowing time for necessary negotiations and consultations to finalize the National Alcohol Policy, ensuring that future regulations are comprehensive and consider all societal implications before enforcement. This move signals a potential shift in the government's approach to alcohol regulation, emphasizing a need for policy that is not only effective but also sensitive to the socio-economic dynamics within Nigeria.