The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a nationwide enforcement operation to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres from circulation.
The operation, which commenced on Wednesday across the six geopolitical zones, marks the full implementation of the Federal Government’s ban on the affected products.
The crackdown follows the closure of manufacturing facilities found to be producing the banned alcoholic drinks in violation of regulatory directives.
NAFDAC enforcement teams have been deployed to markets, motor parks, supermarkets, bars, retail outlets and other distribution channels to seize and destroy prohibited products.
The agency warned that anyone found producing, importing, distributing, transporting, stocking or selling the banned alcoholic beverages would face regulatory sanctions and possible prosecution.
In a statement, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Christianah Adeyeye, directed manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters and hawkers to immediately surrender any remaining stock.
She warned that continued possession or sale of the prohibited products would attract seizure and legal action.
NAFDAC described the operation as one of its most comprehensive enforcement exercises in recent years, aimed at reducing underage drinking, substance abuse and the widespread availability of cheap alcoholic beverages.
According to the agency, the enforcement campaign will be sustained nationwide alongside public awareness initiatives to eliminate the banned products from the Nigerian market.
NAFDAC said the measure is intended to protect children, adolescents and other vulnerable groups from the health risks associated with easy access to small-pack alcoholic drinks while promoting responsible alcohol consumption among adults.
The agency clarified that the exercise is targeted only at alcoholic beverages that violate the approved packaging regulations and not manufacturers that comply with the required standards.
It maintained that sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks packaged in PET bottles below 200ml are now illegal and should no longer be found in circulation.
NAFDAC also urged Nigerians to support the exercise by reporting individuals or businesses involved in producing, distributing or selling the banned products.
Members of the public were advised not to purchase or consume the prohibited alcoholic beverages and to report suspected violations to the nearest NAFDAC office.
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