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, following the full implementation of the Federal Government’s ban on the products.
The enforcement exercise, which is taking place across the six geopolitical zones, comes after the closure of manufacturing facilities allegedly producing the banned alcoholic drinks in violation of regulatory directives.
NAFDAC teams have been deployed to markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, supermarkets and other distribution centres to identify, confiscate and destroy prohibited products. The agency warned that individuals or businesses involved in producing, importing, distributing, transporting, storing or selling the banned drinks would face sanctions, including prosecution.
In a statement, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, directed manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, hawkers and transporters to immediately surrender any remaining stock of the affected products.
She stressed that continued possession or sale of sachet alcohol and sub-200ml PET bottled alcoholic beverages would attract seizure, regulatory penalties and possible legal action.
According to NAFDAC, the operation forms part of broader efforts to address underage drinking, substance abuse and the easy accessibility of cheap alcoholic drinks to young people.
The agency noted that the enforcement exercise is not a one-time operation but part of a sustained nationwide campaign combining regulation and public awareness to remove harmful alcoholic products from circulation.
NAFDAC said the action is aimed at protecting children, adolescents and other vulnerable groups from the risks associated with small-pack alcoholic beverages while promoting responsible alcohol consumption among adults.
The agency clarified that the crackdown is focused on products that violate approved packaging regulations and does not target manufacturers complying with existing standards.
NAFDAC also called on Nigerians to support the exercise by reporting individuals or businesses involved in the production, storage or sale of the prohibited alcoholic beverages and urged members of the public to avoid purchasing or consuming the banned products.
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