RismadarVoice Reporters
May 29, 2026
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down 16 sachet water production factories across Rivers State over alleged regulatory violations, including operating without valid licences and poor hygienic conditions.
The enforcement exercise was carried out in parts of the state by officials of the agency, covering Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru, Degema, and Ikwerre Local Government Areas.
NAFDAC Director in the South-South zone, Chukwuma Oligbu, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday and signed by the agency’s Public Relations Officer in the region, Cyril Monye.
According to the statement, the affected factories were sealed during routine surveillance operations, while their owners were invited for further investigation at the agency’s office.
The listed facilities include Obra Bo Table Water in Abalama (Asari-Toru LGA), Loilia Table Water in Okpo, and several others located in Obuama Harry Town, Degema LGA, as well as Abonnema in Akuku-Toru LGA and selected outlets in Ikwerre LGA.
NAFDAC said four factories were shut in Ikwerre, including AQUA-TOBSON Table Water, DUCO Table Water, CHISODEK Table Water, and NEO BRAIN Table Water.
The agency said the affected facilities were found operating under poor sanitary conditions, including dirty filtration systems, expired licences, labelling irregularities, and use of inappropriate materials in production processes.
Oligbu warned producers of packaged water against operating without registration or renewing expired licences, adding that violators would face sanctions in line with regulatory laws.
He also cautioned against siting water production facilities in prohibited locations such as filling stations, describing the practice as unsafe and against NAFDAC guidelines.
According to him, any attempt to obstruct regulatory officials during enforcement exercises would attract arrest and prosecution.
He urged members of the public to report suspected illegal production or sale of unregistered regulated products, noting that such information would aid prompt regulatory action.
NAFDAC has in recent years intensified nationwide enforcement operations targeting unwholesome food and beverage production, particularly sachet water produced under unsafe conditions.
