The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Lagos seeking an injunction to prevent the federal government from further extending any moratorium or suspending enforcement of the long-standing ban on the production, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachet format.
The suit, numbered FHC/L/CS/2568/25, targets the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Attorney-General of the Federation, representing the federal government, including the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
SERAP is urging the court to restrain the defendants from interfering with the statutory powers of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to enforce the prohibition.
This legal action comes in response to a recent directive from the SGF's office suspending all enforcement measures related to the sachet alcohol ban, pending further consultations and a final directive.
The suspension was issued following concerns raised by the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control.
SERAP argues that continued delays in enforcing the ban violate key public health laws, including the National Health Act 2014, the NAFDAC Act, the Spirits Drink Regulation 2021, and a 2018 Memorandum of Resolution that mandated the phase-out of sachet alcohol to curb abuse, particularly among youths and vulnerable groups.
The organisation contends that cheap, potent sachet alcohol contributes to widespread misuse, health risks, road accidents, and social issues, and that prioritising public health should override economic interests of non-compliant producers.
In the originating summons dated December 15, 2025, and filed by SERAP's legal team led by Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo, SAN, the group seeks court orders compelling the Ministry of Health to direct NAFDAC to immediately enforce the ban nationwide.
SERAP emphasised that ongoing circulation of sachet alcohol undermines Nigeria's health regulations and exposes citizens to preventable harm, calling for judicial intervention to protect public safety and order.
A hearing date is yet to be fixed by the court. The case highlights the ongoing tension between public health advocates and stakeholders concerned about economic impacts, including potential job losses in the manufacturing sector.
