The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has initiated the enforcement of the ban on the importation, manufacture, distribution, sale, and use of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET, and glass bottles of 200 ml and below.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, announced the commencement of enforcement during a press conference in Abuja on Monday.
She stated that, effective January 31, 2024, no alcoholic beverage in these categories is registered by NAFDAC.
The enforcement actions began on February 1, 2024, to ensure compliance with the new policy.
Adeyeye revealed that some manufacturers were found to still be producing the banned products even after the window period for selling off existing stock had elapsed.
NAFDAC said it views this as a serious violation of Nigerian laws and warned of potential prosecution.
Adeyeye urged holders of banned alcoholic products and packaging materials to report to NAFDAC for handover and destruction to avoid stricter measures.
The ban on alcoholic beverages in sachets and small-volume PET and glass bottles below 200 ml was implemented in January 2022.
NAFDAC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, and industry representatives, set a phased approach for the complete discontinuation of such products by January 31, 2024.
Adeyeye said that NAFDAC will implement strict measures to safeguard the health of Nigerians, especially vulnerable youth, against the risks of reckless alcohol consumption.
She said that this negatively affects under-aged people, commercial vehicle drivers, and riders, who are particularly at risk.
The World Health Organisation’s recommendations, including regulating alcohol marketing and restricting its availability, were cited as effective measures to address the dangers associated with alcohol abuse.
NAFDAC urged compliance with the regulations and assured its commitment to protecting public health.
