NAFDAC Raids Markets, Bars, Motor Parks Over Banned Sachet Alcohol

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced a nationwide enforcement operation against alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres, following the Federal Government's ban on the products.

The agency's enforcement teams have been deployed simultaneously across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones as part of efforts to remove the prohibited alcoholic drinks from circulation.

The operation targets markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, supermarkets and other points where the products are manufactured, distributed or sold.

The crackdown followed the closure of manufacturing facilities allegedly found producing the banned alcoholic beverages in violation of regulatory directives.

NAFDAC said its officials would identify, seize and destroy prohibited products found in circulation, warning that individuals and businesses involved in their production, importation, distribution, transportation, stocking or sale could face prosecution.

The agency's Director-General, Prof. Christianah Adeyeye, disclosed this in a statement, directing manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, hawkers and transporters to immediately surrender any remaining stock of the affected products.

Adeyeye warned that continued possession or sale of the prohibited alcoholic beverages could result in seizure, regulatory sanctions and possible prosecution.

The agency said the nationwide operation was part of a sustained enforcement and public enlightenment campaign and not a one-off exercise.

NAFDAC said the action was aimed at addressing concerns over underage drinking, substance abuse and the widespread accessibility of cheap alcoholic beverages, particularly among young Nigerians.

According to the agency, the enforcement is intended to protect children, adolescents and other vulnerable groups from the potential health and social risks associated with the easy availability of small-pack alcoholic drinks, while promoting responsible alcohol consumption among adults.

NAFDAC clarified that the enforcement exercise was focused on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles below the prescribed 200ml threshold and was not targeted at manufacturers whose products complied with approved packaging requirements.

The agency described the affected products as prohibited items that should no longer be available in the Nigerian market.

It urged members of the public to support the enforcement campaign by reporting individuals and businesses involved in the production, distribution, stocking or sale of the banned alcoholic beverages.

NAFDAC also advised Nigerians against purchasing or consuming the prohibited products and encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.

The agency's latest action signals a renewed push to enforce the Federal Government's restrictions on small-pack alcoholic beverages, with regulatory officials expected to sustain surveillance across major markets and distribution channels nationwide.