Ogun State Police Command has restated its support for NAFDAC’s enforcement activities across the state, stressing the importance of inter-agency cooperation in protecting public health and enforcing laws regulating alcoholic drinks.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, stated this when he received the State Coordinator of NAFDAC Ogun Office 1, Mr. Akinwale Fagoroye, and his delegation at the Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.
Fagoroye noted that the enforcement exercise, which commenced in Abeokuta, is being extended to other parts of Ogun State and will continue until alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml (20cl) are removed from circulation.
He said the exercise was part of NAFDAC’s efforts to protect public health and reduce the harmful effects associated with easy access to 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 directive 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.
Responding, Ojajuni commended NAFDAC for its efforts to protect public health and assured the delegation of the Police Command’s continued cooperation and necessary security support during lawful enforcement operations.
He further stated that the Police were also enforcing the Liquor Act and other applicable laws regulating the sale and distribution of alcoholic drinks in the state.
According to him, the enforcement is aimed at preventing unlawful sale and distribution of alcoholic drinks and curbing activities that could endanger public safety, particularly those that expose young people to harmful practices.
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.
He urged manufacturers, distributors, sellers and consumers across Ogun State to comply with relevant regulations and cooperate with authorised enforcement officers.
The CP also enjoined 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, he said, remains committed to supporting lawful regulatory enforcement and other government efforts aimed at protecting lives, promoting public safety and safeguarding the well-being of residents.