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FG orders NAFDAC to halt sachet alcohol ban enforcements
The directive, a joint intervention by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation OSGF and the Office of the National Security Adviser ONSA, cited grave concerns over economic stability and potential security threats.
The Federal Government has ordered the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to immediate cease all enforcement actions regarding the ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle products.
The directive, a joint intervention by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation OSGF and the Office of the National Security Adviser ONSA, cited grave concerns over economic stability and potential security threats.
Both offices warned that continued enforcement, in the absence of a fully implemented National Alcohol Policy, could “destabilize communities, worsen unemployment, and trigger avoidable security challenges.”
In a statement released by Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the SGF, the government clarified that while the National Alcohol Policy has been signed by the Federal Ministry of Health under the direction of President Bola Tinubu, NAFDAC must refrain from sealing factories or warehouses until the policy is fully operationalised.
The SGF and NSA emphasized that the current “de facto banning” of these products without a harmonized framework is creating significant disruptions.
“The continued sealing of warehouses and de facto banning of sachet alcohol products… is already creating economic disruptions and poses a growing security threat, particularly given the impact on employment, supply chains, and informal distribution networks across the country,” the statement warned.
The OSGF further revealed that its decision was influenced by correspondence from the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control, dated November 13, 2025.
The letter, signed by Deputy Chairman Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, highlighted existing National Assembly resolutions that cautioned against the proposed ban.
Reaffirming a previous suspension issued in December 2025, the OSGF stated its role in reviewing legislative, public health, and economic factors before a final decision is reached.
Accordingly, all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures relating to the ongoing ban on sachet alcohol are to be suspended pending the final consultations and implementation of the National Alcohol Policy and the issuance of a final directive,” the statement emphasised.
The Federal Government also took the step of declaring any unauthorized actions by NAFDAC as “invalid,” urging the public and industry stakeholders to disregard any enforcement measures not cleared by the OSGF.
The statement assured Nigerians that a “final, balanced, and lawful decision” would be communicated in due course, prioritizing public health alongside national security and economic stability.
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Senate confirms Oyedele as minister
During the screening, Oyedele proffered solutions to getting out of the various economic issues in the country.
The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance.
His confirmation comes after two hours of screening as lawmakers grilled him on various aspects of the economy.
Oyedele’s screening followed a motion moved by Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate leader, after he called for the suspension of the Senate rule to allow strangers to come into the chamber.
During the screening, Oyedele proffered solutions to getting out of the various economic issues in the country.
Oyedele was escorted to the chamber by Bashir Lado, the Special Adviser to the President on the National Assembly ( Senate), alongside others.
His screening followed President Bola Tinubu’s letter to the Senate on Tuesday, requesting his confirmation as a minister.
Tinubu had, on March 3, nominated Oyedele, who currently serves as chairman of the presidential committee on fiscal policy and tax reforms, as Minister of State for Finance.
News
Tinubu appoints Lamido Yuguda as CBN’s Deputy Governor
Lamido Yuguda’s last public post was as director-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission, a position he held from 2020 to 2024.
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Lamido Abubakar Yuguda as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
The appointment is in accordance with Section 8(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
This was disclosed on Wednesday by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
The President charges Yuguda to discharge his responsibilities with renewed dedication, professionalism, and commitment to Nigeria’s economic stability and growth.
Lamido Yuguda’s last public post was as director-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission, a position he held from 2020 to 2024.
He is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, where he graduated in 1983 with a B.Sc. in Accountancy.
In 1991, he obtained a master’s degree in Money, Banking and Finance from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a CFA charterholder.
He began his career in 1984 at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a Senior Supervisor in the Foreign Operations Department.
He also worked as an economist in the Africa Department of the International Monetary Fund from 1997 to 2001, when he returned to the CBN.
He retired from the CBN in 2016, after he had served as Director of the Reserve Management Department for six years.
News
JUST IN: IGP Disu Assigns Portfolios to New DIGs
DIG Zachariah Fera Achinyan has been deployed to Legal Services, DIG Zango Ibrahim Baba to Research and Planning, and DIG Isyaku Mohammed to Training and Development departments.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has assigned the new Deputy Inspectors -General of Police (DIGs) their duties responsibilities.
Sources said that the DIGs were assigned departments based on their areas of competence.
DIG Zachariah Fera Achinyan has been deployed to Legal Services,
DIG Zango Ibrahim Baba to Research and Planning, and DIG Isyaku Mohammed to Training and Development departments.
Similarly, DIG Margaret Agebe Ochalla has been posted to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID);
DIG Mohammed Abdul Sulaiman to Finance and Accounts; DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie will oversee the Force Intelligence Department (FID); DIG Fayoade Adegoke will head Information and Communication Technology, while DIG Umar Shehu Nadada has been posted to Operations departments.
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