- Kenneth Azikiwe, NAFDAC’s Director for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), called on distributors and retailers to halt the sale of these products and return any remaining stock to the agency
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confiscated a significant quantity of banned alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small PET bottles during a raid at Wuse Market, Abuja.
The operation, carried out on Thursday, uncovered various alcohol brands in 30ml and 100ml packaging, contravening a long-standing ministerial ban.
Kenneth Azikiwe, NAFDAC’s Director for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), called on distributors and retailers to halt the sale of these products and return any remaining stock to the agency. He also urged manufacturers to honour the 2018 agreement with the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria, which prohibits the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in small, easily accessible packages.
“Since 2018, we have ceased registering and renewing licenses for these products,” Azikiwe stated. “Manufacturers were given ample time to deplete existing stocks and halt production. Any violation will now be met with the full force of the law.”
He warned that offenders found selling the banned items would face penalties for dealing in unregistered products.
Azikiwe highlighted that extensive public awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagements had been conducted to ensure compliance. However, he expressed disappointment over reports of continued covert manufacturing and distribution of the banned items.
“Our investigation team is working to trace and stop the illegal production of sachet alcohol,” he added, reiterating the agency’s commitment to protecting public health through rigorous enforcement.
The phased withdrawal of these products, initiated in 2018, has now reached its final stage. NAFDAC has urged all stakeholders to comply fully with the directive, warning that the agency will not tolerate further violations.
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