The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confiscated a large quantity of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles from Wuse Market in Abuja.
Following an operation on Thursday, the NAFDAC Director for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Kenneth Azikiwe, confirmed the discovery of various alcohol brands in small packages, including 30ml and 100ml bottles.
The products are in violation of a long-standing ministerial ban.
Azikiwe urged distributors and retailers to cease the sale of these banned items and to return any remaining stock to NAFDAC.
He also called on manufacturers to comply with the 2018 agreement between NAFDAC and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria, which prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages in such small, easily accessible packaging.
He explained that the agreement, which implemented a phased withdrawal process, has now reached its final stage, ensuring the complete removal of the banned products from the market.
He said, “Since 2018, we have ceased registering and renewing licenses for these products. Manufacturers were given ample time to deplete existing stocks and halt production.”
“At this point, any violation will be met with the full force of the law.”
“Anyone caught selling these products will face penalties for breaching regulations, which will be treated as dealing in unregistered items.”
He further explained that extensive public awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagements had been conducted over the years to promote compliance with the ban.
He expressed disappointment that some manufacturers and distributors still claim ignorance of the ban, despite widespread public awareness.
Meanwhile, the director also expressed concern over reports of the covert manufacturing of banned sachet alcohol and assured that NAFDAC’s investigation team would take action to trace and stop such activities.
Azikiwe added that it was the responsibility of manufacturers to fully comply with the directive.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting public health through rigorous regulatory enforcement.