By Toochi Ejiofor
Edited by Bababunmi Agbebi
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 PET bottles below 200ml from circulation.
The exercise, which is being carried out across the six geopolitical zones, follows the Federal Government’s ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale, and use of these products. According to NAFDAC, the operation also comes after the closure of manufacturing facilities found to be violating the directive.
Enforcement teams have been deployed to markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, and other distribution channels to identify and seize banned alcoholic products.
NAFDAC has directed manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, transporters, and other stakeholders to surrender any remaining stock immediately. The agency warned that anyone found producing, distributing, selling, or keeping the banned products risks seizure of the products, regulatory sanctions, and possible prosecution.
Recall that in December 2018, NAFDAC signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with alcohol manufacturers to phase out alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles. The agreement gave manufacturers until January 31, 2024, to discontinue the production and distribution of the affected products.
The policy generated mixed reactions, with public health advocates supporting the move as a way to reduce underage drinking and alcohol abuse. At the same time, some manufacturers and traders raised concerns about its impact on businesses and consumers.
Although NAFDAC resumed enforcement after the phase-out period ended, sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks in PET bottles have continued to be sold in many markets and retail outlets across the country, prompting the agency’s latest nationwide mop-up operation.
NAFDAC has consistently maintained that the ban is backed by public health evidence. In 2021, the agency, in collaboration with the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), conducted a nationwide survey which found that the widespread availability of sachet alcohol and other small-pack alcoholic beverages was a significant factor contributing to underage drinking in Nigeria.
The latest enforcement marks the implementation of a policy that has been several years in the making. Members of the public are also encouraged to support the exercise by avoiding the purchase of banned products and reporting anyone producing, distributing, or selling them to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its toll-free line, 0800-1-623322.
