The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has initiated a sweeping crackdown on the importation, manufacture, distribution, sale, and use of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET, and glass bottles of 200ml and below.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, announced the enforcement during a press conference in Abuja.
She stated, “As of January 31, 2024, there is no alcoholic beverage in these categories that are registered by NAFDAC. I also want to inform you that the agency has started enforcement actions to enforce the implementation of this policy.”
The nationwide enforcement actions began on February 1, 2024, after the window period given to manufacturers to sell off all alcoholic drinks in the specified categories elapsed.
Prof Adeyeye expressed concern over manufacturers still producing the banned products, and she emphasized NAFDAC’s commitment to address the matter through all statutory means, including prosecution.
In response to the ban, she urged holders of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET, and glass bottles, as well as packaging materials of these banned products, to report to the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate of NAFDAC for hand-over and destruction.
The decision to ban alcoholic beverages in sachet and small volume PET and glass bottles below 200ml was made in January 2022, following the recommendation of a high-powered committee.
Producers agreed to reduce production by 5% from January 31, 2022, and phase out the products entirely by January 31, 2024.
Prof Adeyeye reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to the strict implementation of regulations to protect Nigerians, especially vulnerable youth, from the dangers of reckless alcohol consumption.
She highlighted the at-risk groups, including under-aged individuals and commercial vehicle drivers and riders, and cited the World Health Organization’s findings on the negative effects of alcohol consumption, emphasizing the associated health and social problems.
As NAFDAC intensifies its enforcement efforts, the crackdown aims to safeguard public health and curb the abuse of alcohol, aligning with WHO’s recommended actions and strategies for effective and cost-effective measures.
