The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has closed down 16 sachet water production facilities across Rivers State following regulatory violations and poor sanitary practices.

The enforcement exercise, carried out across Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru, Degema and Ikwerre Local Government Areas, targeted factories found operating outside approved standards.

According to officials from National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, several of the affected facilities were functioning without valid operating licences, while others had expired approvals that were never renewed.

Inspectors also discovered unhygienic production conditions in some locations, including the use of contaminated filtering materials such as dirty cloths and makeshift tools. In addition, some factories were reportedly using incorrect product labels and operating from addresses that did not match regulatory records.

The agency explained that all identified facilities were immediately shut down, while operators were summoned for further questioning at its state office.

NAFDAC also cautioned producers of packaged water against siting production units within filling stations, describing the practice as unsafe and a violation of existing guidelines. It warned that continued non-compliance would attract stricter sanctions, including permanent closure and possible prosecution.

The agency urged members of the public to report any suspected illegal production or sale of unregistered regulated products, saying such cooperation would help curb the circulation of unsafe consumables.

Officials added that enforcement operations across the state and wider region would continue as part of efforts to ensure safer drinking water standards.