NAFDAC Intensifies Nationwide Crackdown on Sachet, Small-Size Alcoholic Drinks

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified nationwide enforcement of the Federal Government’s ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml.

The agency said the renewed enforcement followed widespread violations uncovered during recent mop-up operations across Lagos, Ogun and other parts of the country.

NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this during a press briefing, stressing that the ban remains fully in force and is aimed at protecting children, adolescents and other vulnerable groups from the harmful effects of alcohol abuse.

According to her, the enforcement exercise is being carried out in line with Senate resolutions directing NAFDAC to implement the ban without further extensions, following years of consultations with manufacturers and other stakeholders.

Adeyeye said NAFDAC had previously communicated the commencement of full enforcement through a nationwide public awareness campaign launched earlier in the year.

She, however, disclosed that recent enforcement operations revealed that some manufacturers were still producing the prohibited products, with investigators finding packaging materials bearing production dates as recent as July 2026.

The agency also uncovered alleged attempts by some operators to evade regulatory oversight, including the relocation of production equipment to unregistered facilities and the removal of company signboards in an apparent attempt to conceal illegal operations.

The NAFDAC boss warned that facilities found violating the Federal Government’s directive would be shut down and sanctioned in accordance with the law.

Adeyeye also condemned attacks on NAFDAC enforcement officers during the ongoing nationwide operation, describing such incidents as criminal acts against public officers performing their lawful duties.

She revealed that one enforcement officer was nearly stabbed, while another was physically assaulted during enforcement activities, assuring that perpetrators would be investigated and prosecuted.

The Director-General reiterated that the ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml was not open to negotiation.

She urged manufacturers, distributors, retailers and members of the public to comply with the regulation and report continued production or sale of the banned products to NAFDAC.

Adeyeye added that the agency would sustain its nationwide mop-up operations until prohibited products were removed from circulation, stressing that the measures were part of NAFDAC’s mandate to safeguard public health, particularly the wellbeing of children and young Nigerians.