Lagos: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) announced on Wednesday that it is preparing to initiate the second phase of its enforcement against the sale of sachet alcohol across the nation. Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, revealed this plan during a news conference in Lagos, underscoring the agency’s commitment to curbing the availability of such products in the market.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, NAFDAC completed the first phase of its enforcement earlier this year, which targeted manufacturers of sachet and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic drinks. The agency began this initiative in January as part of its efforts to align with global health standards and the Sustainable Development Goal 3.5, which focuses on reducing harmful alcohol consumption. This move is also aimed at preventing children from accessing alcohol and mitigating long-term health risks associated with its consumption.
Dr. Iluyomade warned that distributors and sellers who violate the law during the upcoming enforcement phase would face sanctions. “We have finished removing the products from manufacturers, and we are now moving to the next phase, which is removing them from the market. We will investigate how these products are still finding their way into circulation and take appropriate action,” he stated. He further emphasized that NAFDAC is empowered to regulate not only the manufacture and sale of these products but also their use.
The director urged market operators to cease the sale of sachet alcohol and other banned products before enforcement begins. He highlighted that ample notice has been given and cautioned against accusing NAFDAC of economic sabotage once enforcement actions commence. Additionally, Dr. Iluyomade, who also serves as Chairman of the Federal Taskforce, indicated that the agency would target advertisers and online vendors promoting unregistered products or making unapproved health claims.
He explained that marketers must obtain NAFDAC approval before advertising regulated products to ensure that only sanctioned claims are made. “Any advertisement that goes beyond what has been approved is a serious offence,” he noted. He also warned social media operators, e-commerce platforms, and website owners against allowing their platforms to be used for promoting unregistered products.
NAFDAC reiterated its dedication to safeguarding public health through strict enforcement of existing regulations and called on Nigerians to comply with the law.