Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down 16 sachet water factories across Rivers State over multiple regulatory violations, including operating without valid licences, poor hygiene standards, and failure to comply with approved production guidelines.
The enforcement operation, which was disclosed by the agency on Friday, May 29, 2026, was carried out in four local government areas of the state — Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru, Degema and Ikwerre — as part of NAFDAC’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and quality of packaged drinking water available to consumers.
The agency’s South-South Zonal Director, Chukwuma Oligbu, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Port Harcourt and signed by the zonal Public Relations Officer, Cyril Monye. According to the statement, the operation resulted in the closure of 16 factories, while the owners were directed to report to NAFDAC for further investigation and regulatory action.
NAFDAC said the affected facilities were found operating under unsafe and unhygienic conditions. Inspectors reportedly discovered the use of dirty filters and improvised filtration materials, including handkerchiefs, during water production. Some factories were also cited for expired licences, labelling deficiencies and the use of incorrect factory addresses.
Among the factories shut down were Obra Bo Table Water in Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Loilia Table Water in Degema, Jima Table Water, Inye Table Water, Obuta Table Water, S.P. Nimi Table Water, Soaltam Table Water and Piasso Table Water. Others included Imumsco Table Water, Granpa Table Water, Daa Ajuka Table Water, Diob Table Water, AQUA-TOBSON Table Water, DUCO Table Water, CHISODEK Table Water and NEO BRAIN Table Water.
Oligbu warned sachet water producers against manufacturing unregistered packaged water and urged operators with expired licences to immediately begin renewal processes or face sanctions. He stressed that NAFDAC would continue to intensify enforcement activities across Rivers State to eliminate unsafe and illegal production practices.
The agency also cautioned producers against locating water factories within filling stations, describing the practice as a direct violation of NAFDAC regulations. Oligbu stated that any facility found engaging in such conduct could face permanent closure.
In addition, NAFDAC warned operators against obstructing regulatory officials during inspections, noting that anyone who interferes with lawful enforcement activities risks arrest and prosecution. The agency said there would be no safe haven for clandestine producers operating outside approved standards.
The regulator further called on members of the public to assist in safeguarding public health by reporting the production or sale of unregistered and substandard NAFDAC-regulated products. According to the agency, timely information from residents would help authorities respond quickly and prevent unsafe products from reaching consumers.
NAFDAC has intensified enforcement operations across Nigeria in recent years as part of efforts to combat the circulation of unwholesome food, beverages and other regulated products. The agency maintains that strict compliance with manufacturing and hygiene standards remains essential to protecting public health and ensuring consumer confidence in packaged drinking water.
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