NAFDAC Seizes Banned Sachet Alcohol in Edo Markets, Vows Nationwide Enforcement

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has launched a fresh enforcement operation in Edo State, seizing sachet alcoholic drinks and beverages packaged below 200ml from shops in Benin City.

The operation, carried out on Friday at Mission Road and New Benin Market, was led by Mr Ugwu Agu, Deputy Director of Investigation and Enforcement for the South-South/South-East Zone, Asaba.

Agu, who represented Dr Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement, said the agency acted on credible intelligence regarding the sale of the prohibited products in the area.

“We had credible intelligence that these alcohol products are in this place. So we came here, we saw it, and we are mopping it up,” Agu stated.

He said the exercise was intended to sound a note of warning that the sale of such products was no longer tolerable under existing regulations.

Agu noted that the banned products had negatively affected youths and children who could easily purchase them and conceal them in their pockets because of their small sizes.

According to him, limiting access to alcohol, especially for persons below 18 years, aligns with resolutions signed by NAFDAC and the World Health Assembly.

“We are trying to mop it up. Wherever we see it in any market, we will mop it up and take it away from circulation. That is what the law says,” he added.

The enforcement followed the Federal Government’s ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles smaller than 200ml.

NAFDAC had earlier directed manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers to surrender remaining stocks of the affected products as enforcement activities intensified across the country.

The agency said the policy was driven by public health concerns, particularly the need to reduce underage drinking and harmful alcohol consumption among children and young people.

The nationwide crackdown is being carried out across the six geopolitical zones following the closure of non-compliant manufacturing facilities.

NAFDAC has warned that continued possession or sale of the banned products constitutes a violation of the law and may attract seizure, regulatory sanctions and prosecution.