SERAP Seeks Court Order to Stop FG from Suspending Sachet Alcohol Ban
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has approached the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking an order to restrain the federal government from suspending the enforcement of the proposed ban on sachet alcohol products.
The move follows a recent directive from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) suspending all enforcement actions related to the ban.
The SGF’s directive, issued on Monday, came after interventions by the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control concerning the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s (NAFDAC) planned enforcement.
In November, the Senate had urged NAFDAC not to extend the deadline for phasing out alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets beyond December 2025.
The suit, filed by lawyers from Tayo Oyetibo LP and led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo, names the Minister of Health and Social Welfare and the Attorney-General of the Federation as defendants.
In the case marked FHC/L/CS/2568/25, SERAP is asking the court to compel the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ensure NAFDAC immediately enforces the nationwide ban on the production, distribution, and sale of sachet alcohol.
SERAP argues that continued delays by federal authorities in implementing the ban violate long-standing public health regulations aimed at curbing alcohol abuse, protecting public safety, and safeguarding citizens’ well-being.
The organisation also noted that sachet alcohol, which is widely accessible, has been linked to rising cases of alcohol abuse, especially among young people and low-income communities. SERAP added that the defendants have a legal duty to fully implement the ban.
The court is expected to fix a hearing date in the coming days.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
