Regulatory agency shuts down pair of manufacturing plants for producing prohibited small-packaged, low-volume liquor products

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, or NAFDAC, has taken drastic measures against two factories in Ogun State, sealing their premises for allegedly producing and packaging banned alcoholic beverages in sachets and 100ml bottles, as part of the Federal Government's crusade to curb alcohol abuse and protect public health.

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Among the affected facilities are Nigerian Distillers Limited, situated at Km 14, Idiroko Road, Iju-Ota, and Intercontinental Distillers Limited, located at Km 11, Idiroko Road, Ota, Ogun State, both of which have been found to be contravening the government's directive.

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Assistant Director of NAFDAC's Water and Drinks Division, Mr. Olakunle Ojo, revealed that the companies in question were producing alcoholic beverages in sachets and small-volume bottles, thereby violating the Federal Government's ban on such products.

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According to Ojo, the ban on sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks packaged in 30ml and 100ml containers was implemented due to the ease of access to these products by underage persons and their frequent abuse by drivers, which contributes to road traffic crashes and other public health concerns.

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The Federal Government's directive, as explained by Ojo, prohibits the production of alcoholic beverages in sachets and containers with a capacity of less than 200ml, aiming to curb indiscriminate consumption and promote responsible alcohol use.

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As per the government's regulatory policy, manufacturers are now only permitted to produce alcoholic beverages in containers with a capacity of 200ml and above, as stated by the NAFDAC official.

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One of the factories was discovered by NAFDAC during an investigation, which was prompted by information provided by a distributor, leading enforcement officers to the location of the factory.

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Ojo warned that NAFDAC would continue to enforce the directive nationwide, emphasizing that any company found to be producing or distributing banned alcoholic products would face regulatory sanctions.

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The NAFDAC official urged manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to comply fully with the government's directive, emphasizing that the policy aims to safeguard public health, particularly among young people, and reduce alcohol-related road accidents.

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The enforcement exercise is part of NAFDAC's ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with regulations governing the production, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages across the country.