The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced a nationwide enforcement operation against alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres, signalling the full implementation of the Federal Government’s ban on the products.
The exercise, which is taking place simultaneously across the country’s six geopolitical zones, follows the closure of manufacturing facilities allegedly producing the banned alcoholic drinks in violation of regulatory directives.
NAFDAC enforcement teams have been deployed to markets, bars, motor parks, supermarkets, retail outlets and other distribution channels to identify, seize and destroy prohibited products. The agency warned that individuals or businesses involved in the production, importation, distribution, transportation, storage or sale of the banned beverages would face regulatory sanctions and possible prosecution.
In a statement, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, directed manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retailers, hawkers and transporters to immediately surrender any remaining stock of the affected products.
She stressed that continued possession or sale of the banned alcoholic drinks would attract seizure and legal action.
According to the agency, the nationwide operation is part of efforts to curb underage drinking, substance abuse and the easy access of young people to cheap alcoholic beverages. NAFDAC said the enforcement exercise would be sustained and complemented with public awareness campaigns aimed at protecting public health.
The agency explained that the ban specifically targets sachet alcohol and alcoholic beverages packaged in PET bottles below 200ml, which it described as products posing significant risks to children, adolescents and other vulnerable groups.
NAFDAC clarified that compliant manufacturers were not the focus of the operation, noting that the enforcement is aimed solely at removing illegal products from circulation.
The agency also appealed to members of the public to support the campaign by reporting individuals or businesses involved in the production, storage or sale of banned alcoholic beverages, while advising Nigerians to avoid purchasing or consuming such products.
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