The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified Sachet alcohol enforcement across Nigeria with a nationwide operation targeting alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 millilitres. The enforcement exercise, launched yesterday, marks the full implementation of the Federal Government’s ban on the affected products and is being carried out simultaneously across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
The operation follows the closure of manufacturing facilities found producing the prohibited alcoholic beverages in violation of regulatory directives. NAFDAC enforcement teams have since been deployed to markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, supermarkets and other distribution channels to identify, seize and destroy the banned products. The agency warned that individuals or businesses involved in producing, importing, distributing, transporting, stocking or selling the prohibited drinks risk prosecution under existing regulations.
In a statement, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Christianah Adeyeye, directed manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, hawkers and transporters to immediately surrender any remaining stock of the affected products. She stated that continued possession or sale of the banned alcoholic beverages would result in product seizure, regulatory sanctions and possible prosecution.
According to the agency, the nationwide Sachet alcohol enforcement campaign is one of its most extensive regulatory actions against alcoholic beverages in recent years. NAFDAC said the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing underage drinking, substance abuse and the widespread availability of inexpensive alcoholic beverages among young Nigerians. The agency added that the exercise forms part of a sustained enforcement and public enlightenment programme rather than a one-time operation.
NAFDAC explained that the objective is to protect children, adolescents and other vulnerable groups from the public health risks associated with small-pack alcoholic beverages while promoting responsible alcohol consumption among adults. The regulator noted that the enforcement is specifically aimed at removing products that fall below the approved packaging threshold and not manufacturers that comply with existing regulations.
The agency further described sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks packaged in PET bottles below 200 millilitres as illegal products that should no longer be found in circulation. It reiterated that the prohibition is based on public health considerations and regulatory compliance.
As enforcement continues nationwide, NAFDAC appealed to members of the public to support the exercise by reporting individuals or businesses involved in producing, stocking or selling the prohibited alcoholic beverages. The agency also advised Nigerians to avoid purchasing or consuming the banned products and encouraged the reporting of suspected violations to the nearest NAFDAC office, as efforts continue to strengthen compliance with national alcohol control regulations.
