NAFDAC Trains Niger State Drink Distributors on Warehouse Compliance

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has held a sensitisation programme for drinks distributors in Niger State, urging them to adopt proper warehouse practices in line with regulatory standards designed to safeguard consumers.

Speaking in Minna on Thursday, the agency's Niger State Coordinator, James Kigbu, said the initiative was prompted by a wave of consumer complaints about beverages spoiling ahead of their expiry dates. He described adherence to safe storage, supply and distribution practices as both a legal requirement and a duty owed to the public.

The training, Kigbu explained, forms part of Pillar One of NAFDAC's 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, which prioritises stakeholder engagement, public communication and collaborative outreach as tools for regulatory compliance.

He noted that the session was triggered by inspection findings revealing lapses in how drinks were being stored and distributed across the supply chain—gaps he said carried real public health implications. Kigbu called on distributors to move away from reactive fixes and instead adopt modern Quality Management Systems that catch problems before they occur.

"Every sector involved in the supply chain, from manufacturing to distribution and consumption, has a critical role to play in ensuring the safety and quality of regulated products," he said, adding that NAFDAC remained committed to guiding distributors through the compliance process.

Five Pillars of Good Warehouse Practice

During a presentation on Good Warehouse Practices (GWP), Kigbu outlined the framework's core requirements, spanning proper receipt, storage, supply and distribution of regulated goods. He stressed that manufacturers bear responsibility for safeguarding raw materials and finished products, and should limit distribution to vetted partners and approved retail outlets.

Distributors, in turn, were told to buy exclusively from licensed suppliers and to maintain product integrity through careful handling and storage.

Kigbu identified five pillars underpinning GWP: management, personnel, documentation, environmental and safety controls, and physical infrastructure. He placed particular emphasis on rigorous record-keeping, noting its role in improving traceability, cutting down on waste and legal disputes, and strengthening public trust in business operations.

On infrastructure, he said warehouses need durable construction, floors resistant to damage, adequate lighting and ventilation, temperature regulation, and enough space for loading and unloading. He also advised that facilities be sited away from residential neighbourhoods, dumpsites, abattoirs and fuel stations to reduce contamination risks.

Distributors were further instructed to equip their premises with fire extinguishers and protective gear, and to store goods on pallets while avoiding excessive stacking that could compromise product quality.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

NAFDAC cautioned that violators face a range of sanctions, from product seizure and administrative fines to arrest and prosecution, depending on severity. Kigbu cited Section H.10 of the NAFDAC Tariff, which sets a N2 million administrative penalty for breaches of regulatory standards.

He urged distributors lacking compliant facilities to suspend sales of regulated products until standards are met, and called on manufacturers to restrict supply to distributors who meet compliance benchmarks, noting that monitoring efforts would continue.

Also addressing the gathering, Lilian Egwe, Deputy Director at NAFDAC's Niger office, encouraged distributors to bring their warehouses in line with international standards, including proper product arrangement and the availability of first-aid supplies.

Distributor Reaction

Several participants praised NAFDAC for organising the programme and pledged to strengthen compliance with regulatory requirements. Ahmed Sule, Chairman of Coca-Cola Dealers in Minna, said members of his association had encountered various operational challenges and welcomed the clarity the session provided on regulatory expectations.

Muhammed Suleiman, Minna Depot Manager for the Nigeria Bottling Company, said the engagement reflected a shared commitment among stakeholders to modernising warehouse operations and reinforcing compliance across the sector.