In January 2022, NAFDAC issued a directive to the manufacturers of such alcohol beverages to stop production and sales from January 31, 2024.
Consequently, the agency gave a marching order to the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria to embark on intensive nationwide sensitisation among manufacturers.
The Guardian learnt that despite the order, some companies did not comply as they continued to manufacture 30ml, 35ml, 100ml and 120ml products with alcohol volume of 43 per cent, against the 30 per cent mandated by NAFDAC.
During the enforcement in Lagos, some of the production facilities visited still had the banned items in large quantities, claiming they were unaware of the deadline and did not receive any circular. They also noted consumers’ low purchasing power, which triggers high sales of smaller packages for between N60 and N100.
Assistant Director, Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, NAFDAC, Kunle Ojo, who led the team, said the operation was to effect the ban, in line with the Federal Government’s bid to stem the tide of alcohol abuse, especially by persons below the age of 18 years.
He said: “From what we have found here, today, we discovered that these companies are still producing 100ml and 30ml items and the window for this production expires from January 2024.
The agency said nobody should produce these packet sizes because it wants to discourage the abuse of alcoholic substances.
“The affordability of the drinks is what causes the abuse because underage people can easily afford it; I mean some students in secondary school, making them engage in several social vices.”