NAFDAC Shuts 16 Sachet Water Factories in Rivers, Warns Against Unregistered Production

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down 16 sachet water factories across parts of Rivers State over violations ranging from unregistered production to poor hygiene and expired licences.

This is contained in a press release signed and made available to journalists on Thursday May 28, 2026 by the Agency’s South-South Zonal Public Relations Officer, Cyril Monye

According to Monye, the enforcement exercise, carried out in Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru, Degema and Ikwerre Local Government Areas, also saw several factory owners summoned to the agency’s office for further investigation.

NAFDAC’s South-South Zonal Director, Pharm. Chukwuma Oligbu, issued a stern warning to producers, urging them to halt the production of unregistered packaged water and to renew expired operational licences or face legal consequences.

Among the affected brands are Obra Bo Table Water in Abalama (Asari-Toru LGA), Loilia Table Water in Okpo (Degema LGA), and Jima Table Water as well as Inye Table Water in Obuama, Degema LGA. Others include Obuta, S.P. Nimi and Soaltam Table Water, all located in Obuama, and Piasso Table Water in Usokun, Degema LGA.

Additional closures were recorded at Imumsco Table Water along the Port Harcourt–Degema Road, as well as Granpa, Daa Ajuka and Diob Table Water factories in Abonnema, Akuku-Toru LGA.

In Ikwerre LGA, four factories, including AQUA-TOBSON, DUCO, CHISODEK and NEO BRAIN Table Water were also shut down during the operation.

According to NAFDAC, the affected facilities were found to be operating under unsanitary conditions, including the use of dirty filtration systems and, in some cases, handkerchiefs as filters. Other infractions cited include expired licences, improper labelling and the use of incorrect factory addresses.

Oligbu further warned against the siting of production facilities within filling stations, describing the practice as a violation of NAFDAC regulations. He stressed that such facilities would be permanently sealed.

He also cautioned operators against obstructing regulatory officials, noting that such actions constitute a breach of the law and could lead to arrest and prosecution.

The NAFDAC director reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sanitising the sector, stating that there would be no safe haven for illegal producers.

He urged members of the public to report any suspicious or unregistered production and sale of NAFDAC-regulated products to the agency for prompt action.