By Peace Udugba
The Ogun State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in enforcing regulations on alcoholic beverages and other regulated products across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, gave the assurance when he received the State Coordinator of NAFDAC Ogun Office 1, Mr. Akinwale Fagoroye, and his delegation at the Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.
The meeting focused on strengthening inter-agency cooperation and providing the necessary security support for NAFDAC’s ongoing enforcement operations across Ogun State.
Speaking during the visit, Fagoroye said the enforcement exercise, which commenced in Abeokuta, is being extended to other parts of the state and will continue until full compliance is achieved.
He said the exercise includes the removal from circulation of alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml (20cl), in line with applicable regulatory directives.
According to him, the enforcement is part of NAFDAC’s efforts to protect public health and reduce the harmful effects associated with the easy availability of cheap and highly portable alcoholic drinks, particularly among children and young people.
He urged manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers to comply with the regulations and cooperate with NAFDAC officials during enforcement operations.
NAFDAC enforcement teams are conducting checks at markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars, warehouses, factories and other locations where regulated products are produced, stored or sold.
The agency is also empowered to take action against fake, unregistered, substandard, adulterated, expired or wrongly labelled regulated products, as well as facilities operating without the required approvals.
The enforcement forms part of NAFDAC’s broader mandate to regulate products under its jurisdiction, including drugs, food, packaged water, medical devices, cosmetics, chemicals and other regulated products, with the objective of protecting public health and safety.
In his response, CP Bode Ojajuni commended NAFDAC for its efforts to safeguard public health and assured the delegation of the continued cooperation and necessary security support of the Ogun State Police Command during lawful enforcement operations.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the Police are also enforcing the Liquor Act and other applicable laws regulating the sale and distribution of alcoholic drinks in the state.
He explained that the enforcement is aimed at preventing the unlawful sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages and curbing activities that could endanger public safety, particularly those that expose young people to harmful practices.
CP Ojajuni stressed that the Police and NAFDAC would continue to work together, within their respective mandates, to ensure compliance with the law and protect residents from activities and products that may pose risks to their health and safety.
The Commissioner urged manufacturers, distributors, sellers and consumers across Ogun State to comply with relevant regulations and cooperate with authorised enforcement officers.
He also encouraged members of the public to report suspected fake, unsafe or unapproved products, as well as illegal alcohol-related activities, to the appropriate authorities.
The Ogun State Police Command reiterated its commitment to supporting lawful regulatory enforcement and other government initiatives aimed at protecting lives, promoting public safety and safeguarding the well-being of residents.
