NAFDAC Begins Nationwide Crackdown on Banned Alcohol Products

(NAFDAC. Photo by Pulse Nigeria)

The federal government’s ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles smaller than 200 milliliters was fully enforced yesterday by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Following the shutdown of manufacturing facilities discovered to be making the prohibited alcoholic drinks in contravention of regulatory directions, a comprehensive crackdown is occurring concurrently throughout the six geopolitical zones.

In order to identify, seize, and destroy the prohibited products, NAFDAC enforcement teams have spread out to markets, motor parks, retail establishments, bars, supermarkets, and other distribution channels.

They have issued a warning that anyone found manufacturing, importing, distributing, transporting, stocking, or selling them faces legal repercussions.

The Director-General, Prof Christianah Adeyeye, disclosed in a statement that the agency had directed manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, hawkers and transporters to immediately surrender any remaining stock of the affected products.

She warned that continued possession or sale of the products would attract seizure, regulatory sanctions and possible prosecution.

The nationwide operation is considered one of the most aggressive regulatory actions taken against alcoholic beverages in recent years, signalling the government’s resolve to tackle underage drinking, substance abuse and the easy availability of cheap alcohol among young Nigerians.

NAFDAC clarified that the exercise was not a one-time action but part of a sustained nationwide enforcement and public enlightenment campaign aimed at ridding the Nigerian market of harmful alcohol products.

The agency explained that the move is intended to protect children, adolescents and other vulnerable groups from the risks posed by the widespread availability of small-pack alcoholic drinks, while still encouraging responsible alcohol consumption among adults.

It further clarified that the enforcement does not target manufacturers who comply with approved packaging thresholds, but is instead focused on removing products considered a serious threat to public health.

The banned sachet and sub-200ml PET-bottled alcoholic drinks were described as illegal products that should no longer be in circulation.

NAFDAC appealed to Nigerians to support the enforcement drive by reporting individuals or businesses involved in producing, stocking or selling the prohibited beverages, and urged the public to avoid purchasing or consuming such products while reporting any suspicious activity to the nearest NAFDAC office.