NAFDAC Enforces Dismantling, Reconfiguration of Lines Producing Banned Sachet, Sub-200ml PET Alcohol
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced enforcement measures requiring manufacturers of alcoholic beverages in banned sachet and sub-200ml PET/plastic bottles to dismantle, permanently disable or reconfigure production lines used for the prohibited pack sizes.
The enforcement means affected manufacturers must undertake the required dismantling, disabling or reconfiguration before their facilities can reopen, as NAFDAC steps up implementation of the Federal Government’s prohibition on the affected alcoholic beverages.
The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye in a statement on Monday, said the Agency would verify compliance with the production-line requirements, alongside other regulatory conditions, before any affected facility could reopen.
The enforcement follows extensive consultations with government agencies and industry stakeholders, including the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) and the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), as well as the expiration of agreed transition periods for industry compliance.
The prohibition dates back to concerns raised in 2018 over the widespread availability and accessibility of high-alcohol-content beverages in small, inexpensive and easily concealed packages.
It was initially subject to a five-year moratorium under a December 2018 Memorandum of Understanding to enable manufacturers to reconfigure production lines and transition to larger pack sizes.
Following further consultations, the compliance deadline was extended to 31 December 2025, after which the ban took effect from 1 January 2026.
NAFDAC subsequently commenced phased enforcement, beginning with manufacturers and progressing to nationwide mop-up operations targeting markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars and distribution centres.
As part of the enforcement, manufacturers found in violation are required to sign Irrevocable Enforcement Undertakings through DIBAN and AFBTE, commence nationwide recall of prohibited products and submit periodic compliance reports to NAFDAC.
“Recalled products will be inventoried and destroyed under NAFDAC supervision at the manufacturers’ cost.”
Defaulting companies may face continued closure, placement on NAFDAC’s Regulatory Watchlist, suspension or revocation of product registrations, investigative charges and other regulatory or legal sanctions.
NAFDAC said the enforcement is a public health measure aimed particularly at reducing the accessibility of high-alcohol-content products to children and young persons and curbing alcohol-related harm.
The Agency encouraged members of the public to report the manufacture, distribution or sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets or PET/plastic bottles below 200ml through NAFDAC’s official communication channels or at the nearest NAFDAC office.
