The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced a nationwide enforcement operation to seize alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres.
The agency said the exercise is in line with the Federal Government’s ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 200ml.
In a statement shared on its official X handle on Wednesday, NAFDAC said the enforcement exercise on sachet and bottle alcohol is being carried out simultaneously across the six geopolitical zones after the closure of non-compliant manufacturing facilities.
The statement read: “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.”
According to the agency, the nationwide operation forms part of its ongoing efforts to protect public health and reduce the harmful effects of alcohol abuse.
NAFDAC directed manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters and other stakeholders to immediately surrender any remaining stock of the prohibited products.
It warned that continued possession or sale of the banned alcoholic beverages constitutes a violation of the law and could attract seizure, regulatory sanctions and prosecution.
The agency warned that anyone found storing, distributing or selling the banned alcoholic beverages would be liable to regulatory action, including seizure of the products and possible prosecution.
“Manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters, and other stakeholders are advised to immediately surrender any remaining stock, as continued possession or sale of the banned products constitutes a violation of the law and may attract seizure, regulatory sanctions, and prosecution,” the agency added.
It noted that the enforcement drive is intended to reduce underage drinking, discourage harmful alcohol consumption and tackle substance abuse, particularly among children and young people.
NAFDAC further appealed to members of the public to support the exercise by refraining from purchasing the banned products and reporting anyone involved in their production, distribution or sale.
The agency urged Nigerians to report suspected offenders through the nearest NAFDAC office or its designated reporting channels.