The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a directive to distillers, urging them to discontinue the production of alcoholic beverages in sachets and pet bottles that are less than 200ml.

Mr. Kazeem Adeniran, the Assistant Chief Regulator Officer of the Investigation and Enforcement Department at NAFDAC, made this announcement during a two-day enforcement exercise in Ota, Ogun, emphasizing that the call aligns with the agreement reached by a tripartite committee formed in 2018.

Adeniran further emphasized that as part of the agreement, distillers, particularly those under the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN), are expected to halt the production of alcohol in sachets and pet bottles that are below 200ml, effective from January 31.

The enforcement exercise, conducted in Ota and its surroundings, was aimed at ensuring the safety of Nigerians.

Adeniran highlighted that the committee, established by the Federal Ministry of Health in 2018, comprised NAFDAC, DIBAN, and other stakeholders, with a focus on mitigating alcohol abuse, particularly among the youth.

He expressed concern that despite the 2018 agreement, some companies were still producing alcoholic beverages below 200ml, which was a violation of the set directives. “It is clearly stated after the meeting in 2018 that they should stop the production of such alcohol in sachets and pet bottles by 2024 and focus on producing alcohol above 200ml,” he remarked.