The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a nationwide enforcement operation to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 milliliters from circulation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the agency said the exercise is aimed at enforcing the Federal Government’s ban on the production, importation, distribution and sale of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 200ml.
According to NAFDAC, the operation is being carried out simultaneously across the country’s six geopolitical zones following the shutdown 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, confiscate and destroy banned alcoholic beverages still in circulation.
NAFDAC warned manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters and hawkers to voluntarily surrender any remaining stock of the prohibited products, stressing that continued possession, distribution or sale could result in product seizure, regulatory sanctions and prosecution.
Describing the exercise as part of a broader public health initiative, the agency said the mop-up campaign would be sustained alongside public awareness efforts aimed at curbing the availability of harmful alcohol products.
“This mop-up is not a one-off exercise but part of a sustained enforcement and public education campaign to rid Nigeria of harmful alcohol products, protect children and adolescents, and promote a culture of responsible consumption among adults,” the statement read.
NAFDAC said the exercise underscores its commitment to protecting public health by reducing underage drinking, harmful alcohol consumption and substance abuse among children and young people.
The agency clarified that the enforcement is not directed at manufacturers complying with approved packaging regulations but is specifically targeted at products packaged below the approved threshold, which it said pose significant public health risks.
It also appealed to Nigerians to support the ongoing operation by reporting individuals or businesses involved in the production, storage or sale of the banned sachet and sub-200ml PET-bottle alcoholic beverages.
NAFDAC further advised consumers to avoid purchasing or consuming the prohibited products, describing them as illegal, unsafe and unregistered. It urged members of the public to report any suspected violations to the nearest NAFDAC office as part of efforts to safeguard public health and protect future generations.
