The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced plans to start the second phase of its effort against the sale of sachet alcohol across Nigeria.
Martins Iluyomade, the Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, shared this information on Wednesday during a news conference in Lagos.
He mentioned that the first phase of enforcement, which focused on manufacturers, has now been completed.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that NAFDAC began enforcing the ban on sachet and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic drinks in January.
The enforcement received mixed reactions but was necessary to align Nigeria with global health standards and Sustainable Development Goal 3.5, which aims to reduce harmful alcohol consumption.
NAFDAC also explained that this decision helps keep alcohol away from children and prevents long-term health issues linked to alcohol use.
Mr. Iluyomade warned that distributors and sellers who break the law will face penalties once the enforcement kicks in.
"We have finished removing the products from manufacturers, and we are now moving to the next phase, which is removing them from the market," he said.
"We will investigate how these products are still finding their way into circulation and take appropriate action."
He stressed that NAFDAC has the legal power to regulate not just the manufacture and sale of these products, but also their use.
"The law gives us authority over manufacture, sale, distribution and use. Consumers should be aware that using products that have been prohibited also places them on the wrong side of the law," he added.
The director urged market operators who still sell sachet alcohol and other banned products to stop before enforcement begins.
"We have given ample notice. Those who have invested money in these products should take steps now because nobody should accuse NAFDAC of economic sabotage when enforcement starts," he said.
Mr. Iluyomade, who also chairs the Federal Taskforce, mentioned that the agency would also target advertisers and online sellers promoting unregistered products or making unapproved health claims.
He explained that registered products can only be advertised after getting the necessary approvals from NAFDAC.
"Before advertising a regulated product, marketers must obtain NAFDAC approval. This ensures that only approved claims are made about the product."
"Any advertisement that goes beyond what has been approved is a serious offence," he noted.
He further warned social media operators, e-commerce sites, and website owners against using their platforms to promote unregistered products.
"Whether you are a physical vendor or an online vendor, if your platform is used to advertise unregistered products or products without advertisement permits, we will come after you."
"Many false claims are being made online, and we are determined to stop them," he said.
The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting public health by strictly enforcing existing regulations and urged Nigerians to comply with the law.
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