The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified efforts to enforce the ban on alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and small PET bottles, with the agency seeking stronger collaboration with the police to ensure compliance across Ogun State.
The renewed enforcement drive followed a meeting between officials of NAFDAC’s Ogun Office 1 and the Ogun State Police Command at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.
The NAFDAC delegation, led by the State Coordinator, Mr Akinwale Fagoroye, met with the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, to strengthen cooperation on enforcement activities aimed at protecting public health and regulating the production, distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages.
Fagoroye said the enforcement exercise, which began in Abeokuta, would be extended to other parts of the state and sustained until full compliance was achieved.
A major focus of the exercise is the removal from circulation of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles with a capacity below 200ml (20cl).
According to NAFDAC, the restriction is aimed at reducing easy access to cheap and highly portable alcoholic drinks, particularly among children and young people, and limiting the potential health and social consequences associated with their consumption.
“The enforcement exercise, which commenced in Abeokuta, is being extended to other parts of Ogun State and will continue until full compliance is achieved,” Fagoroye said.
He urged manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers to comply with the directive and cooperate with NAFDAC officials during enforcement operations.
The agency’s enforcement teams are expected to conduct inspections at markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, warehouses, factories and other locations where regulated products are manufactured, stored or sold.
NAFDAC also has the mandate to take regulatory action against fake, unregistered, substandard, adulterated, expired or improperly labelled products, as well as facilities operating without the required approvals.
Responding, Ojajuni commended NAFDAC for its efforts to protect public health and assured the agency of the police command’s continued cooperation and provision of security support during lawful enforcement operations.
He said the police and NAFDAC would continue to work within their respective mandates to ensure compliance with regulations and protect residents from products and activities that could threaten public health and safety.
“The Police and NAFDAC will continue to work together, within their respective mandates, to ensure compliance with the law and protect residents from activities and products that may pose risks to their health and safety,” Ojajuni said.
The commissioner added that the police were also enforcing the Liquor Act and other relevant laws regulating the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages in the state.
He said the collaboration was particularly important in preventing the unlawful sale and distribution of alcoholic drinks and curbing practices that could expose young people to harmful substances and behaviours.
Ojajuni urged manufacturers, distributors, retailers and consumers to comply with the relevant regulations and cooperate with authorised enforcement personnel during the exercise.
He also encouraged members of the public to report suspected fake, unsafe or unapproved products, as well as illegal alcohol-related activities, to the appropriate authorities.
The Ogun State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to supporting NAFDAC and other regulatory agencies in lawful enforcement operations aimed at protecting lives, promoting public safety and safeguarding the wellbeing of residents.