The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has shut down 16 sachet water factories in Rivers State over alleged violations of regulatory and safety standards.
The enforcement exercise was carried out across parts of Asari Toru, Akuku Toru, Degema and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of the state.
Speaking after the operation, the Director of NAFDAC’s South-South Zone, Chukwuma Oligbu, warned sachet water producers against operating without registration or with expired licences, stressing that offenders would face sanctions.
According to him, several of the affected factories were discovered to be operating in unsanitary environments, using unsafe filtration systems and providing false operational addresses.
He added that some of the facilities were also found to be using expired licences and violating other regulatory requirements.
A statement issued on Thursday by the agency’s South-South Public Relations Officer, Cyril Monye, said owners of the affected factories had been invited for questioning.
NAFDAC further warned that operators producing sachet water illegally or obstructing officials during inspections would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The agency also urged members of the public to report illegal water production activities in their communities.
The statement identified some of the affected factories as Obra Bo Table Water in Abalama, Asari Toru Local Government Area; Loilia Table Water in Okpo, Degema LGA; Jima Table Water in Obuama Harry Town, Degema LGA; and Inye Table Water, also located in Obuama Harry Town.
Others include Obuta Table Water, S.P. Nimi Table Water, Soaltam Table Water and Piasso Table Water, all situated in Degema communities.
The agency also shut down Imumsco Table Water along the Port Harcourt–Degema Road, as well as Granpa Table Water, Daa Ajuka Table Water and Diob Table Water in Akuku Toru Local Government Area.
In Ikwerre Local Government Area, four factories — AQUA-TOBSON Table Water, DUCO Table Water, CHISODEK Table Water and NEO BRAIN Table Water — were also sealed during the operation.
NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to ensuring the production of safe and quality drinking water across the country.
