The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed 16 sachet water production factories in Rivers State over alleged violations of health, safety and regulatory standards.
The crackdown followed an enforcement operation carried out across several local government areas in the state, as authorities intensified efforts to protect consumers from unsafe drinking water.
According to NAFDAC, the affected factories were discovered operating outside approved regulations, with some allegedly producing sachet water under poor sanitary conditions that could pose serious health risks to the public.
The enforcement exercise covered Asari Toru, Akuku Toru, Degema and Ikwerre Local Government Areas, where officials inspected water production facilities and assessed their compliance with industry standards.
NAFDAC’s South-South Zonal Director, Chukwuma Oligbu, explained that the operation was part of the agency’s ongoing campaign to clean up the packaged water sector and ensure that only safe products reach consumers.
He revealed that several of the affected factories were found using substandard filtration systems, operating with expired licences, or providing incorrect operational addresses to regulators.
According to him, some facilities were also allegedly running in unhygienic environments that failed to meet the minimum requirements for food and water production.
NAFDAC further disclosed that owners and operators of the affected factories have been invited for questioning as investigations continue.
The agency warned that any producer found manufacturing unregistered products, operating without proper approval, or obstructing regulatory officers could face closure, sanctions and possible prosecution.
Oligbu also called on residents to assist the agency by reporting illegal sachet water production activities within their communities.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the quality of packaged drinking water consumed daily by millions of Nigerians.
NAFDAC insists that strict enforcement of safety regulations remains necessary to safeguard public health and prevent the circulation of contaminated water products in the market.
