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 PET bottles below 200ml from circulation.
The agency said the exercise follows the Federal Government’s ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of the affected products as part of efforts to protect public health.
NAFDAC explained that enforcement teams have been deployed across the six geopolitical zones to inspect markets, bars, motor parks, retail outlets and other distribution channels for banned alcoholic drinks.
The agency warned manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and transporters to immediately surrender any remaining stock, stressing that anyone found producing, selling or distributing the prohibited products could face seizure, regulatory sanctions and prosecution.
According to NAFDAC, the enforcement is aimed at reducing underage drinking, harmful alcohol consumption and substance abuse, especially among children and young people.
The agency also urged Nigerians to support the exercise by avoiding banned products and reporting anyone involved in their production or sale to the nearest NAFDAC office.
