The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced a nationwide enforcement operation to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres from circulation, in line with the Federal Government’s ban on such products.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Wednesday, the agency said the exercise is being carried out simultaneously across the six geopolitical zones following the expiration of the compliance deadline and the closure of non-compliant manufacturing facilities.
NAFDAC said its enforcement teams have been deployed to markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars and other distribution channels nationwide to identify, seize and remove the prohibited alcoholic products from circulation.
The agency directed manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters and other stakeholders to immediately surrender any remaining stock of the banned products.
It warned that the continued production, importation, distribution, sale or possession of the prohibited alcoholic beverages constitutes a violation of regulatory provisions and could attract sanctions, including product seizure and prosecution.
According to NAFDAC, the enforcement exercise is aimed at curbing underage drinking, harmful alcohol consumption and substance abuse, particularly among children and young people.
The agency also appealed to members of the public to support the exercise by refraining from buying the banned products and reporting anyone involved in their production, distribution or sale to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its designated reporting channels.
