The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has begun a nationwide enforcement operation against alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles smaller than 200 millilitres, fully enforcing the Federal Government’s ban on the products.
The operation, taking place across the six geopolitical zones, follows the shutdown of manufacturing facilities found to be producing the prohibited alcoholic beverages in defiance of regulatory directives.
NAFDAC enforcement teams have been deployed to markets, motor parks, bars, supermarkets, retail outlets and other distribution channels to seize and destroy the banned products. The agency warned that anyone involved in producing, importing, distributing, transporting, storing or selling the affected drinks could face prosecution.
In a statement, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Christianah Adeyeye, directed manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, hawkers and transporters to immediately hand over any remaining stock of the banned products. She cautioned that continued possession or sale of the drinks would result in confiscation, regulatory penalties and possible legal action.
NAFDAC said the exercise is part of a sustained nationwide enforcement and public awareness campaign aimed at reducing underage drinking, curbing substance abuse and limiting young people’s access to cheap alcoholic beverages.
The agency explained that the enforcement targets only alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200 millilitres, stressing that manufacturers who comply with approved packaging regulations are not affected. It also urged Nigerians to report anyone involved in producing or selling the prohibited products and advised the public to avoid buying or consuming them.
