Nigeria, Feb. 27 -- The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has clarified that it does not have the legal authority to halt the enforcement of the nationwide ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets, PET bottles, and glass containers below 200ml.

In a statement and counter-affidavit filed before the Federal High Court and sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, the ministry said enforcement of the ban falls squarely within the statutory powers of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Through its counsel, Jumoke Falaye, the ministry stressed that it neither interferes with nor controls NAFDAC's enforcement decisions, noting that it is not an enforcement arm of the federal government.

NAFDA...