The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has shut down 16 sachet water factories across Rivers State over multiple regulatory violations, including operating without valid approval.
The clampdown followed an enforcement exercise carried out by NAFDAC officials in Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru, Degema and Ikwerre local government areas.
This was disclosed by the agency’s South-South Zonal Director, Chukwuma Oligbu, in a statement released in Port Harcourt through the zone’s Public Relations Officer, Cyril Monye.
According to the agency, the affected factories were found to be operating under unsanitary conditions, with some using dirty filtration systems, expired licences and incorrect factory information.
“The operation which was carried out in the four LGAs led to the closure of 16 sachet water factories while their owners were invited to the NAFDAC office,” the statement said.
Among the affected producers were factories located in Abalama, Obuama Harry Town, Abonnema and parts of Ikwerre LGA.
Oligbu cautioned sachet water manufacturers against producing unregistered products and urged operators with expired permits to renew them immediately to avoid sanctions.
He also warned factory owners against setting up production facilities within filling stations, stressing that such practices violate the agency’s regulations and could lead to permanent closure.
The NAFDAC official further stated that anyone obstructing enforcement officers in the course of their duties risks arrest and prosecution.
He assured residents that the agency would continue its surveillance operations across the state to curb illegal and unsafe production of sachet water.
Oligbu appealed to members of the public to report suspicious or unwholesome production activities, saying timely information would help prevent unsafe products from reaching consumers.
NAFDAC has continued to intensify nationwide enforcement efforts to combat the spread of counterfeit and substandard regulated products, especially unsafe sachet water.
