The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced a nationwide enforcement exercise against alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200 millilitres, signalling the full implementation of the Federal Government’s ban on the products.
The operation, taking place simultaneously across the country’s six geopolitical zones, follows the shutdown of manufacturing facilities found to be producing the banned alcoholic drinks in violation of regulatory directives.
NAFDAC enforcement teams have been deployed to markets, bars, supermarkets, retail outlets, motor parks and other distribution points to identify, seize and destroy the prohibited products. The agency warned that anyone involved in producing, importing, distributing, transporting, stocking or selling the banned alcoholic beverages risks 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, warning that continued possession or sale would attract regulatory sanctions, seizure and possible prosecution.
According to the agency, the enforcement exercise is aimed at curbing underage drinking, reducing substance abuse and limiting the easy accessibility of cheap alcohol to children, adolescents and other vulnerable groups. It added that the exercise forms part of an ongoing nationwide enforcement and public awareness campaign rather than a one-off operation.
NAFDAC clarified that the crackdown is targeted at banned sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks packaged in PET bottles below 200ml, and not manufacturers complying with approved packaging regulations.
The agency also urged Nigerians to refrain from buying or consuming the prohibited products and to report anyone involved in their production or sale to the nearest NAFDAC office.