The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a crackdown on alcoholic beverages sold in sachets and PET bottles that are smaller than 200ml. The enforcement started in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at Rumuokoro Market, targeting distributors of these banned products.

During the operation, NAFDAC officials discovered large quantities of the prohibited alcoholic drinks in two shops. The traders, however, tried to stop the removal of these products by becoming confrontational. The banned items, which included hundreds of cartons, were put on hold during the process.

The ban, which was announced officially in February 2024, was the result of a decision made by a federal government committee involving various stakeholders. NAFDAC had given manufacturers a five-year notice in 2018 to stop producing these beverages, with the grace period ending in December 2023.

NAFDAC’s South-South Zonal Director, Pharm. Chukwuma Oligbu, emphasized that the ban aims to protect young Nigerians from the dangers posed by these alcoholic drinks. He also warned manufacturers to immediately cease production of the banned products, stating that NAFDAC will continue its efforts to seize these items from shops, supermarkets, and hawkers across the country.

NAFDAC’s continued enforcement of this ban reflects its commitment to ensuring public safety and protecting consumers from harmful products.