The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a nationwide enforcement exercise to remove alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres from circulation.
The agency announced on Wednesday that the operation follows the Federal Government’s ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 200ml.
In a statement posted on its official X account, NAFDAC said enforcement teams have been deployed across the six geopolitical zones after shutting down manufacturing facilities that failed to comply with the directive.
The agency said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and reduce alcohol abuse.
According to NAFDAC, officials are conducting coordinated inspections in markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars and other distribution channels to identify, seize and remove the prohibited products.
The agency warned manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters and other stakeholders to immediately surrender any remaining stock of the banned alcoholic beverages.
It stressed that anyone found in possession of, or selling, the prohibited products would face regulatory sanctions, seizure of goods and possible prosecution.
NAFDAC said the ban is aimed at tackling underage drinking, harmful alcohol consumption and substance abuse, especially among children and young people.
The agency also urged Nigerians to support the enforcement exercise by avoiding the purchase of banned alcoholic drinks and reporting anyone involved in their production, distribution or sale to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its official hotline.
