The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has commenced a nationwide enforcement exercise to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles smaller than 200 millilitres from circulation.
In a statement issued on Friday, the agency said the operation is aimed at enforcing the Federal Government’s ban on the production, importation, distribution and sale of the affected products across Nigeria.
According to NAFDAC, the enforcement exercise is being carried out simultaneously across the country’s six geopolitical zones following the closure of manufacturing facilities found to be producing the prohibited products.
The agency said its enforcement teams have been deployed to markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars and other distribution channels to identify, seize and destroy alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles below the approved 200ml threshold.
NAFDAC warned manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters and street vendors still in possession of the banned products to voluntarily surrender their remaining stock or face regulatory action.
The agency cautioned that continued production, distribution or sale of the prohibited alcoholic beverages could result in product seizure, sanctions and possible prosecution in accordance with relevant laws.
“This mop-up exercise is part of a sustained enforcement and public awareness campaign aimed at protecting public health, reducing underage drinking and promoting responsible alcohol consumption among adults,” the statement said.
NAFDAC explained that the operation is specifically targeted at products covered by the ban and does not affect manufacturers producing alcoholic beverages in approved package sizes that comply with existing regulations.
The agency said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to curb harmful alcohol consumption, discourage substance abuse among children and young people, and strengthen compliance with national food and drug safety standards.
It also appealed to members of the public to support the enforcement exercise by reporting individuals or businesses involved in the production, storage or sale of the prohibited products.
NAFDAC further advised consumers to avoid purchasing or consuming sachet alcoholic drinks and alcoholic beverages packaged in PET bottles below 200ml, stressing that such products are prohibited under current regulations.
The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspected violations to the nearest NAFDAC office as efforts continue to strengthen public health protection nationwide.
