The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) announced on Wednesday that plans are underway to begin the second phase of enforcement against the sale of sachet alcohol in Nigeria.
Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, disclosed this at a news conference in Lagos.
He also stated that the agency has completed the first phase, targeting manufacturers.
NAFDAC began enforcing the ban on sachet and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic drinks in January.
The enforcement received mixed reactions and was aimed at aligning Nigeria with global health standards and Sustainable Development Goal 3.5, which focuses on reducing harmful alcohol consumption.
The agency said the move also aims to prevent children from accessing alcohol and to mitigate long-term health risks.
Iluyomade warned that distributors and sellers violating the law would face sanctions once enforcement resumes.
“We have finished removing products from manufacturers, and now we will remove them from the market.
We will investigate how these products are still circulating and take appropriate action,” he said.
He emphasized that Nigerian law empowers NAFDAC to regulate not just the manufacture and sale of these products but also their use.
“Consumers should be aware that using prohibited products is also against the law,” he added.
The director urged market operators still stocking sachet alcohol and other banned products to cease sales before enforcement begins.
“We have given ample notice. Those who have invested in these products should act now, because nobody should accuse NAFDAC of economic sabotage when enforcement starts,” he said.
Iluyomade, also Chairman of the Federal Taskforce, stated that the agency would also target advertisers and online vendors promoting unregistered products or making unapproved health claims.
“Registered products can only be advertised after obtaining approval from NAFDAC. Any advertisement beyond approved claims is a serious offense,” he explained.
He warned social media operators, e-commerce platforms, and website owners against facilitating the promotion of unregistered products.
“If your platform is used to advertise unregistered or unpermitted products, we will take action. We are determined to stop false claims online,” he said.
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health through strict enforcement and urged Nigerians to comply with regulations.
