Regulatory Affairs
NAFDAC Seizes ₦300m Worth of Banned Alcoholic Drinks in Lagos, Arrests Distributors
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has seized alcoholic beverages worth an estimated ₦300 million in Lagos, shutting down distribution outlets and arresting traders accused of selling and hoarding products prohibited under the existing ban.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized alcoholic beverages valued at approximately ₦300 million during enforcement operations targeting the sale and distribution of prohibited alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200 mL in Lagos State.
The enforcement operations led to the shutdown of some distribution outlets and the arrest of distributors and retailers allegedly involved in the sale of the prohibited products.
The agency conducted raids at Ile-Epo Market, where several distributors and retailers were arrested. Additional enforcement operations were carried out at Ojuwoye Market in Mushin and Oke-Arin Market on Lagos Island, resulting in the evacuation of several cartons of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200 mL.
NAFDAC Targets Distribution Networks
Investigations by the agency reportedly indicated that some distributors and retailers were hoarding the prohibited alcoholic beverages amid increased demand and rising prices.
The enforcement action forms part of NAFDAC’s efforts to prevent the continued circulation of alcoholic beverages in packaging formats covered by the ban.
The seizure of products across multiple markets highlights the challenges of enforcing restrictions within established distribution and retail networks, particularly where prohibited products remain available to consumers.
Agency Reiterates Ban, Warns Traders
NAFDAC has reiterated that the ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200 mL remains in force, warning distributors, retailers and other operators against the sale, distribution and hoarding of the prohibited products.
The agency’s latest enforcement action reinforces its position that businesses involved in the handling and distribution of the affected products must comply with the existing restrictions.
The continued enforcement of the ban is significant for the alcoholic beverage supply chain, as distributors and retailers face the risk of regulatory action for non-compliance.
NAFDAC’s operations in Lagos also underscore the importance of sustained market surveillance to prevent prohibited products from re-entering the distribution chain.