The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced a nationwide enforcement exercise to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres from circulation.
The agency said the operation is in line with the Federal Government’s ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 200ml.
In a statement shared on its X platform on Wednesday, NAFDAC said the enforcement exercise is being carried out simultaneously across the country’s six geopolitical zones following the closure of manufacturing facilities that failed to comply with the directive.
According to the agency, the operation is part of its broader efforts to safeguard public health and ensure compliance with existing regulations.
“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 all other stakeholders to immediately surrender any remaining stock of the prohibited products.
The agency warned that continued possession, distribution or sale of the banned alcoholic beverages constitutes a violation of the law and could result in the seizure of products, regulatory sanctions and possible prosecution.
It explained that the enforcement campaign is aimed at reducing underage drinking, curbing harmful alcohol consumption and tackling substance abuse, particularly among children and young people.
NAFDAC also appealed to members of the public to support the exercise by refraining from purchasing the banned alcoholic beverages and reporting anyone involved in their production, distribution or sale.
The agency urged the public to report violations to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its dedicated consumer complaint channels.
