The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced a nationwide enforcement operation to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml, in line with the federal government’s ban on the production.
The exercise, being carried out across the six geopolitical zones, follows the earlier closure of non-compliant manufacturing facilities and forms part of the agency’s broader efforts to protect public health.
In a statement on Thursday, NAFDAC said its enforcement teams are conducting coordinated operations in markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, and other distribution channels to identify, seize, and remove banned products from circulation.
“Manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters, and other stakeholders are advised to immediately surrender any remaining stock, as continued possession or sale of the banned products constitutes a violation of the law and may attract seizure, regulatory sanctions, and prosecution,” the agency said.
On 1 February 2024, NAFDAC commenced the enforcement of the ban on the importation, manufacturing, distribution, sale, and use of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET, and glass bottles of 200ml and below.
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According to the Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, at the time, the decision was based on the recommendation of a high-powered committee of the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the industry represented by the Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employers, Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria, in December 2018.
The enforcement of the ban led to a protest by distillers and labour unions, who argued that it would result in the loss of 500,000 jobs and the destruction of N800 billion in investments.
The agency explained that the enforcement exercise is aimed at reducing underage drinking, harmful alcohol consumption, and substance abuse, particularly among children and young people.
It urged members of the public to support the exercise by refraining from purchasing banned products and reporting anyone producing, distributing, or selling them to the nearest NAFDAC office or call 0800-1-623322
