The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized alcoholic beverages worth ₦300 million in Lagos State. The seized products were packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml, which is against the agency's regulations. NAFDAC carried out enforcement operations across Lagos, targeting markets and distribution points where the prohibited products were being stored, sold, and distributed.
The enforcement exercise was conducted at various markets in Lagos, including Ile-Epo Market, Ojuwoye Market in Mushin, and Oke-Arin Market on Lagos Island. During the operations, several distributors and retailers were arrested for allegedly selling and distributing the prohibited products. Some outlets were also shut down completely by the agency for violating the restriction. The seizures were made possible by NAFDAC's efforts to enforce the nationwide restriction on the affected packaging sizes.
NAFDAC's enforcement exercise uncovered cases of traders allegedly hoarding the banned alcoholic beverages. Investigations indicated that some merchants were taking advantage of increased demand and rising prices to stockpile the products. The agency warned manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and other market operators against continuing to deal in the prohibited products, stressing that violators would face further enforcement actions.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reiterated that the restriction on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml was introduced as a public health measure. The agency believes that the small and relatively inexpensive packaging makes alcoholic beverages more accessible, particularly to young people, and contributes to underage drinking and substance abuse among minors.
NAFDAC had previously granted manufacturers a grace period to phase out the affected packaging sizes before commencing nationwide seizures of the prohibited products in July. The agency urged traders to comply with the regulation and desist from hoarding or concealing the banned alcoholic beverages as enforcement operations continue across the country.
The seized products were valued at ₦300 million, a significant amount that highlights the scale of the illicit trade in prohibited alcoholic beverages. NAFDAC's efforts to enforce the restriction on the affected packaging sizes aim to protect public health, particularly that of young people. The agency's actions demonstrate its commitment to regulating the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages in Nigeria.
NAFDAC's enforcement operations will continue across the country to ensure compliance with the regulation. The agency has warned violators that they will face further enforcement actions if they continue to deal in prohibited products. By seizing the ₦300 million worth of alcoholic beverages, NAFDAC has sent a strong message to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers that it will not tolerate the sale and distribution of prohibited products.
Key points
- NAFDAC seized ₦300 million worth of alcoholic beverages in Lagos for using banned packaging.
- The agency cites public health concerns, particularly underage drinking and substance abuse among minors.
- NAFDAC's enforcement operations will continue across the country to ensure compliance with the regulation.
