The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Ogun State Police Command have stepped up collaboration to enforce regulations governing the production, sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages across the state.
The move is aimed at protecting public health and curbing the circulation of alcoholic drinks considered harmful, particularly among children and young people.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Eleweran, Abeokuta, Deputy Superintendent of Police Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed the development in a statement shared on the command’s X handle on Friday.
According to Babaseyi, the State Coordinator of NAFDAC Ogun Office 1, Akinwale Fagoroye, led a delegation to the command headquarters in Eleweran, where they met with the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni.
Fagoroye said the enforcement operation, which had already commenced in Abeokuta, would be expanded to other parts of the state until full compliance with the regulations was achieved.
A major focus of the exercise is the removal from circulation of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml (20cl).
He said the measure was intended to reduce the harmful effects associated with the widespread availability of cheap and easily portable alcoholic drinks, especially among young people.
Fagoroye called on manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers to comply with the directive and cooperate with NAFDAC officials during enforcement operations.
He added that NAFDAC teams were inspecting markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, warehouses, factories and other locations where regulated products are manufactured, stored or sold.
The agency is also empowered to take enforcement action against fake, unregistered, substandard, adulterated, expired or improperly labelled products, as well as facilities operating without the required approvals.
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Responding, Ojajuni commended NAFDAC for its efforts to safeguard public health and pledged the police command’s continued support for lawful enforcement activities.
He said both agencies would continue working within their respective mandates to ensure compliance with regulations and protect residents from products and activities capable of threatening their health and safety.
The commissioner further disclosed that the police were enforcing the Liquor Act and other relevant laws regulating the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages in Ogun State.
According to him, the enforcement is also designed to prevent illegal alcohol-related activities and reduce practices that could expose young people to harmful influences.
Ojajuni urged manufacturers, distributors, sellers and consumers to comply with existing regulations and cooperate with authorised enforcement personnel.
He also appealed to residents to report suspected fake, unsafe or unapproved products, as well as illegal activities involving alcoholic beverages, to the appropriate authorities.
The Ogun State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to supporting lawful regulatory operations and government initiatives aimed at protecting lives and promoting public safety across the state.