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, marking the full implementation of the Federal Government’s ban on the products.
The enforcement exercise, which began on Wednesday, is being carried out simultaneously across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
As part of the operation, the agency has shut down manufacturing facilities found producing the banned alcoholic beverages in violation of regulatory directives.
NAFDAC enforcement teams have also been deployed to markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, supermarkets and other distribution channels to identify, seize and destroy prohibited products.
In a statement, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, directed manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters and hawkers to immediately surrender any remaining stock of the banned products.
She warned that anyone found producing, importing, distributing, transporting, stocking or selling the prohibited alcoholic beverages would face seizure of the products, regulatory sanctions and possible prosecution.
According to the agency, the enforcement exercise forms part of a sustained nationwide campaign to eliminate illegal alcoholic beverages from the Nigerian market and strengthen public awareness of the health risks associated with their consumption.
NAFDAC said the action is aimed at protecting children, adolescents and other vulnerable groups from the dangers posed by the widespread availability of small-pack alcoholic beverages, while promoting responsible alcohol consumption among adults.
The agency clarified that the enforcement is not targeted at manufacturers that comply with approved packaging regulations but is focused on products packaged in sachets and PET bottles below the approved 200ml threshold, which are now considered illegal.
It appealed to members of the public to support the exercise by reporting individuals or businesses involved in the production, distribution or sale of the banned products to the nearest NAFDAC office.
NAFDAC also advised Nigerians to refrain from purchasing or consuming the prohibited alcoholic beverages, describing the enforcement as a significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to curb underage drinking, substance abuse and other alcohol-related public health challenges.
