The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized alcoholic beverages worth an estimated ₦300 million during enforcement operations across major markets in Lagos State.
The agency said the seized products were alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and small PET bottles of less than 200ml, which are prohibited under the Federal Government’s ban.
The enforcement operations were carried out at Ile-Epo Market, Ojuwoye Market in Mushin and Oke-Arin Market on Lagos Island.
NAFDAC officials evacuated several cartons of the banned products from the markets, while some distributors and retailers were arrested during the operations.
The agency said its investigations showed that some traders had been stockpiling the prohibited drinks amid rising demand and increasing prices.
NAFDAC warned distributors, retailers and other operators against selling, distributing or hoarding the banned products, stressing that the prohibition remains in force.
The latest operation forms part of the agency’s wider efforts to remove prohibited alcoholic beverages from circulation and enforce the Federal Government’s directive on sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks packaged in PET bottles below 200ml.
NAFDAC had previously directed manufacturers to recall the affected products nationwide, warning that facilities found violating the ban could face regulatory action.
The agency has also urged businesses still holding the banned products to comply with the directive or risk seizure and other sanctions.
