The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, received the State Coordinator of NAFDAC Ogun Office 1, Mr. Akinwale Fagoroye, and his delegation at the Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta, to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and discuss the security support required for NAFDAC’s ongoing enforcement activities across Ogun State.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Fagoroye disclosed that the enforcement exercise, which commenced in Abeokuta, is being extended to other parts of Ogun State and will continue until full compliance is achieved and alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml (20cl) are removed from circulation.
He explained that the exercise is 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 places 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 is part of NAFDAC’s wider responsibility to regulate products within its mandate, including drugs, food, packaged water, medical devices, cosmetics, chemicals and other regulated products, with the aim of protecting public health and safety.
In his response, CP Bode Ojajuni commends NAFDAC for its efforts to protect public health and assured the delegation of the Ogun State Police Command’s continued cooperation and necessary security support during lawful enforcement operations.
The CP further stated that the Police are also enforcing the Liquor Act and other applicable laws regulating the sale and distribution of alcoholic drinks within the State. He explained that 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.
CP Ojajuni stressed that the Police and NAFDAC will 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 CP urges manufacturers, distributors, sellers and consumers across Ogun State to comply with relevant regulations and cooperate with authorised enforcement officers. He also enjoins 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 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.