The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a nationwide enforcement exercise to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml from circulation, reinforcing the Federal Government’s ban on the production, importation and sale of the products.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the agency said the operation is being carried out across the six geopolitical zones after shutting down manufacturing facilities found to be violating the ban. Enforcement teams are conducting coordinated inspections in markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars and other distribution channels to identify, seize and destroy the banned products.
NAFDAC warned manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, hawkers and transporters to voluntarily surrender any remaining stock, stressing that continued possession or sale of the banned products could result in seizure, regulatory sanctions and prosecution.
The agency said the exercise is part of an ongoing enforcement and public awareness campaign aimed at reducing underage drinking, harmful alcohol consumption and substance abuse, while protecting children and promoting responsible alcohol consumption among adults.
NAFDAC clarified that the crackdown is not directed at manufacturers complying with approved packaging regulations but at eliminating products considered harmful to public health. It also urged Nigerians to support the initiative by reporting anyone producing, stocking or selling the banned alcohol products and to avoid purchasing them, describing the products as unregistered, unsafe and illegal.