The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has closed 16 sachet water production facilities across Rivers State over regulatory violations, including operation without valid licences.
The enforcement exercise was carried out by NAFDAC officials in selected local government areas of the state, the agency confirmed in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday.
According to the South-South Zonal Director, Chukwuma Oligbu, the affected factories were discovered during routine surveillance and enforcement operations conducted across four LGAs.
The statement, signed by Cyril Monye, NAFDAC’s Public Relations Officer in the zone, listed the affected local governments as Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru, Degema, and Ikwerre.
Oligbu warned producers of packaged water to comply strictly with regulatory requirements, stressing that operating with expired or unregistered licences would attract sanctions, including possible shutdown.
He explained that the operation led to the sealing of 16 factories, with owners directed to report to the agency for further action.
Some of the affected facilities include Obra Bo Table Water in Abalama, Loilia Table Water in Okpo, Jima and Inye Table Water in Obuama Harry Town, as well as Obuta, S.P. Nimi, Soaltam, and Piasso Table Water within Degema Local Government Area.
Others shut down include Imumsco Table Water along Port Harcourt–Degema Road, Granpa Table Water in Abonnema, Daa Ajuka Table Water, and Diob Table Water, all in Akuku-Toru LGA.
In Ikwerre Local Government Area, four factories—AQUA-TOBSON, DUCO, CHISODEK, and NEO BRAIN Table Water—were also sealed.
The agency said investigations revealed poor hygienic conditions in the facilities, including dirty filtration systems, improper production practices, expired licences, incorrect labelling, and in some cases, use of inappropriate materials in processing.
NAFDAC further warned against siting production facilities in prohibited locations such as filling stations, adding that any violators would face immediate and permanent closure.
Oligbu also cautioned against obstruction of regulatory officers, noting that anyone who interferes with enforcement duties risks arrest and prosecution.
He assured that the agency would sustain its operations across all parts of the state to eliminate unsafe production of regulated products.
The director urged members of the public to report any suspicious or unregistered products, adding that such information would help NAFDAC act swiftly to protect consumers.
NAFDAC said the enforcement drive is part of ongoing efforts to curb the production and distribution of unsafe food and beverages in Nigeria.
