**The Battle for Sachet Alcohol: NAFDAC Gets the Upper Hand** In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria's beverage industry, the Federal Ministry of Health has told a Lagos court that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has the power to enforce the ban on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET bottles, and glass bottles below 200ml. This move is a significant blow to manufacturers of these low-capacity drinks, who have been pushing for an extension of the moratorium on the ban. The Ministry of Health, through its lawyer, Jumoke Motilayo Falaye, has clarified that it does not interfere with NAFDAC's operations, as this is not within its mandate as the regulatory body. Instead, NAFDAC is responsible for enforcing laws related to food, drugs, and related products, including alcoholic beverages. The Ministry argued that NAFDAC's powers are derived from the NAFDAC Act, which grants it clear regulatory and enforcement authority. This stance has been taken in response to a suit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), which sought to compel the Minister of Health and the Attorney-General of the Federation to direct NAFDAC not to enforce the sachet alcohol ban. SERAP argued that the ban is a valid regulation under the NAFDAC Act, but that the Minister of Health has no authority to grant or extend any moratorium on its enforcement. The Ministry of Health has however refuted these claims, stating that any interference in NAFDAC's enforcement processes are speculative and unsupported by evidence. The agency's powers are not subject to the whims of the Minister, and any attempt to do so would be a clear breach of the NAFDAC Act. The implications of this decision are far-reaching, as it paves the way for NAFDAC to enforce the sachet alcohol ban nationwide. This move is expected to reduce the proliferation of these low-capacity drinks, which have been linked to various health problems, including cancer and liver disease. As the battle for sachet alcohol continues to unfold, one thing is clear: NAFDAC is determined to enforce the law and protect the health of Nigerians. In conclusion, the Ministry of Health's stance on the sachet alcohol ban has sent a clear message to manufacturers and consumers alike: NAFDAC is not to be trifled with. As the regulator, it will continue to