The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning to sachet water producers, urging them to cease manufacturing unregistered products and to update expired licenses or face punitive measures. This directive was delivered by Chukwuma Oligbu, the Director of NAFDAC for the South-South Zone, following an enforcement sweep across Rivers State, targeting areas such as Asari Toru, Akuku Toru, Degema, and Ikwerre Local Government Areas.
As a result of the operation, 16 sachet water factories were forced to close, and their proprietors were summoned for interrogation. NAFDAC attributed the closures to multiple violations, including operating in unsanitary environments, utilizing unsafe filtration systems, submitting false addresses, and using lapsed licenses, among other infractions.
In a statement released on Thursday by Cyril Monye, the Public Relations Officer for the South-South Zone, the agency emphasized that any facility operating illegally or impeding inspection officers would be sealed, and the owners would face legal prosecution. The public was also encouraged to report any instances of unauthorized water production.
The affected factories include Obra Bo Table Water in Abalama, Asari Toru LGA; Loilia Table Water in Okpo, Degema LGA; Jima Table Water in Obuama Harry Town, Degema LGA; and Inye Table Water in Obuama Harry Town, Degema LGA. Additionally, Obuta Table Water, S.P. Nimi Table Water, Soaltam Table Water, and Piasso Table Water, all located in Degema LGA, were shut down. In Akuku Toru LGA, Granpa Table Water, Daa Ajuka Table Water, and Diob Table Water in Abonnema were also closed. In Ikwerre LGA, AQUA-TOBSON Table Water, DUCO Table Water, CHISODEK Table Water, and NEO BRAIN Table Water were among those sealed.