The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has assured the Federal High Court that NAFDAC is the designated authority to enforce the ban on sachet alcohol packaged in containers below 200ml. In a court filing, the ministry clarified that it doesn’t interfere with NAFDAC’s enforcement decisions, emphasizing the agency’s statutory powers to regulate food, drugs, and related products.

The ministry rejected claims of ministerial interference, stating that the Minister of Health hasn’t extended the moratorium on the sachet alcohol ban. NAFDAC’s authority stems from Sections 5 and 30 of the NAFDAC Act.

A lawsuit filed by SERAP seeks to confirm the validity of the sachet alcohol ban and restrict the Minister of Health from granting moratoriums. SERAP argues that delaying enforcement contributes to alcohol abuse, particularly among vulnerable groups.