The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced a nationwide enforcement exercise to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres from circulation across Nigeria.
The agency said the operation is in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive prohibiting the production, importation, distribution, sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 200ml.
NAFDAC disclosed the development in a statement published on its official X account on Wednesday, noting that enforcement teams have already begun coordinated operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
According to the agency, the nationwide exercise follows the closure of manufacturing facilities found to be operating in violation of the government’s directive.
It explained that the operation forms part of broader efforts aimed at safeguarding public health and reducing harmful alcohol consumption.
“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,” the statement read.
The regulatory agency warned manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters and all other stakeholders involved in the alcohol supply chain to immediately surrender any remaining stock of the prohibited products.
It stressed that anyone found retaining or trading in the banned alcoholic beverages would face regulatory action.
“Continued possession or sale of the banned products constitutes a violation of the law and may attract seizure, regulatory sanctions, and prosecution,” NAFDAC warned.
The agency stated that the enforcement campaign is specifically targeted at addressing underage drinking, harmful alcohol consumption and substance abuse, particularly among children, teenagers and young adults.
It reiterated that the ban is intended to reduce easy access to alcoholic beverages by vulnerable groups while promoting responsible consumption.
NAFDAC also appealed to Nigerians to support the nationwide operation by refusing to purchase the prohibited products and reporting individuals or businesses engaged in their production, distribution or sale.
The agency encouraged members of the public to submit reports through the nearest NAFDAC office or via its designated reporting hotline.
The enforcement exercise marks the latest phase of government efforts to implement the nationwide restriction on sachet alcohol and small-sized PET bottled alcoholic beverages following previous engagements with manufacturers and other stakeholders in the industry.
