POLITICS
NAFDAC Begins Nationwide Clampdown on Sachet Alcohol, Small PET Bottles Below 200ml
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 polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres from circulation as part of efforts to curb underage drinking and protect public health.
The nationwide exercise follows the Federal Government’s directive banning the production, importation, distribution, sale, and use of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets as well as small plastic and glass bottles below the approved volume.
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Earlier in January, NAFDAC explained that the enforcement of the policy was not intended to punish manufacturers but was designed to safeguard children and young people from easy access to alcohol. The agency noted that the decision was informed by growing concerns over the increasing rate of alcohol abuse among underage persons.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, had stated that the policy was driven by public health considerations and mounting evidence showing that alcohol packaged in sachets and containers below 200 millilitres has significantly contributed to underage drinking across Nigeria.
Announcing the latest enforcement action in a post shared on its official X account on Wednesday, the agency said the ongoing mop-up operation is being implemented nationwide in line with the Federal Government’s directive.
According to NAFDAC, the exercise is being carried out simultaneously across the country’s six geopolitical zones and comes after the closure of manufacturing facilities found to be non-compliant with the ban.
The agency explained that the operation forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen regulatory enforcement and protect Nigerians from the harmful effects of irresponsible alcohol consumption.
Enforcement teams have been deployed to markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, warehouses, and other distribution channels where they are conducting coordinated inspections to identify, seize, and remove prohibited alcoholic products from circulation.
Issuing a strong warning to stakeholders in the alcohol distribution chain, the agency said:
“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.”
NAFDAC reiterated that the primary objective of the nationwide operation is to reduce underage drinking, discourage harmful alcohol consumption, and tackle substance abuse, particularly among children and young people who are considered most vulnerable.
The agency also called on members of the public to support the enforcement exercise by avoiding the purchase of prohibited alcoholic beverages and assisting regulatory authorities with useful information.
It urged Nigerians to report individuals or businesses involved in the production, distribution, or sale of the banned products, stating:
“The agency urges members of the public to support the exercise by refraining from purchasing banned products and reporting anyone producing, distributing, or selling them to th
e nearest NAFDAC office.”
