NAFDAC shuts 16 sachet water factories in Rivers crackdown

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned sachet water producers to cease manufacturing unregistered water and to renew any expired licences or face penalties.

The warning came from NAFDAC’s Director for the South‑South Zone, Chukwuma Oligbu, after the agency conducted an enforcement operation in several areas of Rivers State, including Asari Toru, Akuku Toru, Degema, and Ikwerre Local Government Areas.

During the operation, 16 sachet water factories were shut down and their owners were summoned for questioning.

NAFDAC said the factories were operating under unsanitary conditions, using unsafe filters, providing incorrect addresses, and in some cases, operating with expired licences or violating other regulations.

In a statement released on Thursday by Cyril Monye, the Public Relations Officer for the South‑South Zone, the agency also warned that factories operating illegally or obstructing officials would be closed and their owners prosecuted.

NAFDAC further urged the public to report any illegal water production.

According to the statement, “The sachet water factories include: Obra Bo Table Water, Abalama, Asari Toru LGA; Loilia Table Water, Okpo, Degema LGA; Jima Table Water, Obuama Harry Town, Degema LGA; and Inye Table Water, Obuama Harry Town, Degema LGA.

“Others are Obuta Table Water, Obuama Harry Town, Degema LGA; S.P. Nimi Table Water, Obuama Harry Town, Degema LGA; Soaltam Table Water, Obuama Harry Town, Degema LGA; and Piasso Table Water, Usokun, Degema LGA.

“Also shut down are: Imumsco Table Water, Port Harcourt–Degema Road, Degema LGA; Granpa Table Water, Abonnema, Akuku Toru LGA; Daa Ajuka Table Water, Abonnema, Akuku Toru LGA; and Diob Table Water, Abonnema, Akuku Toru LGA.

“At Ikwerre LGA, four factories were shut down. They include AQUA-TOBSON Table Water, DUCO Table Water, CHISODEK Table Water, and NEO BRAIN Table Water.”