NAFDAC Launches Nationwide Crackdown on Sachet Alcohol, Small PET Bottles

By Opeyemi Adelakun

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 200 millilitres from the Nigerian market.

The agency said the exercise is being carried out across the country’s six geopolitical zones to enforce the Federal Government’s prohibition on the production, importation, distribution, sale and consumption of the affected products.

According to NAFDAC, the operation follows the closure of manufacturing facilities that failed to comply with the directive and forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen public health protection.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the agency disclosed that enforcement teams had been deployed to major distribution channels, including markets, retail outlets, bars and motor parks, to identify and confiscate products covered by the ban.

“NAFDAC 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,” the agency stated.

NAFDAC directed manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters and other stakeholders still in possession of the affected alcoholic beverages to surrender them immediately.

The agency warned that anyone found producing, distributing or selling the banned products would be liable to regulatory sanctions, product seizure and possible prosecution in accordance with existing laws.

It explained that the enforcement exercise is intended to curb underage drinking, reduce harmful alcohol consumption and tackle the growing problem of substance abuse, particularly among children and young people.

NAFDAC also appealed to members of the public to support the campaign by refraining from purchasing the prohibited products and reporting anyone involved in their production or sale through the nearest NAFDAC office or the agency’s toll-free reporting channels.