NAFDAC Tightens Enforcement Against Illegal Sachet Alcohol Sales
By DIANA CHUKWUKA
THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has renewed its nationwide campaign against the production and sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 200ml. The agency said fresh enforcement became necessary after discovering continued violations in several parts of the country.
Speaking during a media briefing, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the ban is a key public health measure aimed at reducing alcohol abuse, particularly among children, teenagers and other vulnerable groups.
She explained that the enforcement follows years of consultations with industry stakeholders and the expiration of all implementation timelines approved by the Federal Government. She added that NAFDAC had already informed manufacturers and the public about the commencement of full enforcement through nationwide sensitisation campaigns.
According to Adeyeye, recent inspections found evidence that some manufacturers were still producing the prohibited products. She said officials also uncovered alleged attempts to avoid regulatory monitoring through the use of unregistered production sites and other concealment methods.
The agency warned that any company found breaching the directive would face closure and other legal sanctions. Adeyeye also decried attacks on enforcement officers, describing them as criminal acts against public officials carrying out lawful duties.
She disclosed that two officers were assaulted during separate operations and assured that those responsible would be prosecuted. She reiterated that the ban remains fully effective and that there would be no further concessions.
Adeyeye called on manufacturers, distributors, retailers and members of the public to support the enforcement by complying with the law and reporting violations to NAFDAC. She affirmed that the agency would continue nationwide mop-up operations until all banned alcoholic products are removed from circulation in the interest of public health and consumer safety.
