The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is poised to commence the second phase of its enforcement campaign against the sale of sachet alcohol nationwide. This intensified regulatory action, disclosed by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, signifies a strategic move to clear prohibited alcoholic beverages from circulation following an initial focus on manufacturers.
NAFDAC’s enforcement initiative, which began in January with a ban on sachet and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic drinks, aims to align Nigeria with international health standards and the Sustainable Development Goal 3.5, which seeks to reduce harmful alcohol consumption. The agency has underscored that a primary objective is to prevent underage access to alcohol and mitigate the long-term health consequences associated with its consumption.
Dr. Iluyomade confirmed that the first phase, concentrating on manufacturers, has been successfully concluded. The upcoming phase will pivot to distributors and sellers, who will face stringent sanctions for any violations of the law. “We have finished removing the products from manufacturers, and we are now moving to the next phase, which is removing them from the market,” Dr. Iluyomade stated. “We will investigate how these products are still finding their way into circulation and take appropriate action.”
The agency reiterated its broad legal mandate, asserting that NAFDAC’s authority extends beyond manufacturing and sale to encompass the distribution and even the use of regulated products. Consumers are hereby put on notice that the possession and consumption of prohibited items also place them in contravention of the law. Market operators are strongly advised to cease stocking and selling sachet alcohol and other banned products before the enforcement measures are implemented. “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,” Dr. Iluyomade cautioned.
Beyond the physical market, NAFDAC is also intensifying its scrutiny of advertising and online sales channels. The Federal Taskforce, chaired by Dr. Iluyomade, will pursue advertisers and online vendors promoting unregistered products or making unsubstantiated health claims. The agency stressed that all advertising of regulated products requires prior NAFDAC approval to ensure that only authorized claims are disseminated. “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 explained.
Furthermore, social media platforms, e-commerce sites, and website owners are warned against facilitating the promotion of unregistered or unapproved products. NAFDAC’s resolve to combat false claims and ensure regulatory compliance is unwavering, extending its enforcement reach to both physical and online vendors. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health through rigorous enforcement of existing regulations and urged all stakeholders to ensure full compliance with the law.
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