ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE — The Commissioner of Police for the Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, has reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to supporting the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in its ongoing crackdown on illicit and improperly packaged alcoholic beverages.
The commitment was made during a strategic meeting at the Command Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, where CP Ojajuni hosted a NAFDAC delegation led by the State Coordinator for Ogun Office 1, Mr. Akinwale Fagoroye. The talks centered on strengthening inter-agency collaboration and providing the necessary security backing for NAFDAC’s statewide enforcement operations.
During the visit, Mr. Fagoroye announced that the enforcement exercise, which initially kicked off in Abeokuta, is now expanding across all parts of Ogun State. The primary objective is the total removal of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles containing less than 200ml (20cl) from circulation.
The NAFDAC Coordinator highlighted that the ban is a crucial step in protecting public health. By targeting these highly portable and inexpensive alcoholic formats, the agency aims to curb alcohol abuse, particularly among children and youths who are most vulnerable to easy access.
To ensure full compliance, NAFDAC enforcement teams are actively conducting sweeps across a wide range of locations, including markets, retail outlets, motor parks, bars, recreational centers, warehouses, and production factories.
In addition to enforcing the sachet alcohol ban, the agency is exercising its mandate to crack down on fake, unregistered, expired, and adulterated products—spanning food, drugs, cosmetics, and packaged water—as well as shutting down facilities operating without proper approvals.
Commending NAFDAC’s unwavering dedication to public safety, CP Ojajuni assured the delegation that the Ogun State Police Command will provide robust security support throughout their lawful operations. Furthermore, the Commissioner emphasized that the Police are concurrently enforcing the state’s Liquor Act and other associated laws governing the sale and distribution of alcohol.
“The enforcement is aimed at preventing the unlawful sale and distribution of alcoholic drinks and curbing activities that could endanger public safety, particularly those that expose young people to harmful practices,” stated CP Ojajuni.
Both the Police and NAFDAC stressed that their continued collaboration will strictly enforce compliance with health and safety laws within their respective mandates.
Authorities are urging manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers to cooperate fully with enforcement officials. The public is also highly encouraged to act as whistleblowers by reporting suspected fake, unsafe, or unapproved products, as well as illegal alcohol distribution activities, to the appropriate authorities.
The Ogun State Police Command, through a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, reiterated its ultimate commitment to supporting government regulatory efforts designed to protect lives, promote public safety, and safeguard the well-being of all residents.
