The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has told the Federal High Court that only NAFDAC has the legal power to enforce the ban on sachet alcohol and small-sized alcoholic drinks. The ministry said it does not control or interfere with NAFDAC’s enforcement decisions.

In a counter-affidavit, the ministry explained that NAFDAC is a statutory agency with clear authority under its establishing law. It added that the Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, has not approved any new extension of the moratorium on the sachet alcohol ban.

The case was filed by SERAP, which is asking the court to confirm that the ban is valid and that no government official has the power to delay its enforcement. The group also wants the court to stop any interference with NAFDAC’s duties.

SERAP argued that delaying the ban weakens public health efforts, especially as sachet alcohol is cheap and widely accessible. The organisation believes strict enforcement is necessary to reduce alcohol abuse, particularly among young people.