ABUJA, Nigeria — The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a sweeping, nationwide mop-up operation to remove alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles below 200ml from circulation.

The enforcement action, taking place simultaneously across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, follows the recent closure of several manufacturing facilities found to be violating regulatory directives.

NAFDAC enforcement teams have fanned out across major markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, supermarkets, and distribution hubs to identify, seize, and destroy non-compliant alcoholic products.

In an official statement, NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye directed manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, hawkers, and transporters to immediately surrender any remaining stock of banned small-pack alcohol.

The agency warned that continued possession, transport, or sale of these products will attract immediate confiscation, severe regulatory sanctions, and prosecution under federal laws.

"This mop-up is not a one-off exercise but part of a sustained enforcement and public education campaign to rid Nigeria of harmful alcohol products, protect children and adolescents, and promote a culture of responsible consumption among adults," NAFDAC stated.

NAFDAC emphasized that the ban is specifically aimed at packaging formats that make high-proof alcohol cheap, easily concealable, and readily accessible to underage consumers. Regulatory data indicates that nearly 50% of minorspatronizing retail outlets purchase alcohol sold in sachets and sub-200ml PET bottles.

The regulatory body clarified that the enforcement does not target compliant manufacturers operating within approved pack-size thresholds, but focuses strictly on eliminating packaging sizes that pose severe public health risks to young Nigerians.

NAFDAC also called on the public to support the exercise by reporting any individuals or businesses continuing to produce, stock, or distribute the prohibited alcoholic beverages.