In a dramatic operation, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) raided shops in Port Harcourt, seizing hundreds of banned small-sized alcoholic beverages.
The raid targeted major distributors at Rumuokoro Market, where sachet and PET bottle alcohol were found in large quantities.
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Traders resisted the operation, forcing NAFDAC to place the products on hold rather than remove them immediately.
The action follows a federal directive banning the sale of alcoholic beverages under 200ml, effective since February 2024. NAFDAC had granted manufacturers a five-year grace period to phase out these products, which expired earlier this year. The ban was implemented to protect public health, especially among vulnerable young Nigerians exposed to these harmful products.
As the enforcement escalates, NAFDAC is intensifying efforts to remove banned items from markets, supermarkets, and street vendors. Despite the challenges, the agency remains resolute in ensuring compliance with the directive to safeguard public safety.
Manufacturers still producing the banned beverages face severe penalties, with NAFDAC warning of tougher actions for violators. The agency’s ongoing efforts highlight its commitment to curbing the harmful impact of these mini-alcohol bottles on Nigerian society.
Port Harcourt’s crackdown is just the beginning, as NAFDAC promises to extend operations to other states across the country. The federal agency’s bold move has drawn mixed reactions, with some supporting the ban, while others oppose its enforcement.
With public health at risk, NAFDAC’s mission to eliminate these dangerous products continues, despite challenges from local traders.
