It is the season of fines and it appears Nigerian regulatory agencies have just woken up to their core duties. This time, Guinness Nigeria Plc has been fined N1 billion by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for re-validating expired products without authorization and supervision.
In a statement released by the Head, Investigation and Enforcement of NAFDAC, Kingsley Ejiofor, the regulatory agency requested for the payment of the N1 billion as administrative charges for the destructive activities carried out by the company.
The agency also accused Guinness of exposing the raw materials used in their factories to rodents.
“In view of the above, you are further required to take the following actions: disclosure of all your warehouses in the country and submission of inventory level of the stock thereof; submit a written voluntary consent of forfeiture for destruction of the expired and re-validated raw materials discovered in your warehouse; and submit a notarised undertaking to comply with all the guidelines, rules, regulations and enactments of the agency, and to refrain from any future violations.”
Reacting to the news on Wednesday, Guinness said it received a letter from NAFDAC asking for the payment of N1 billion and that they were given two weeks to pay the said fine.
“The management of Guinness Nigeria does not fully understand the basis for the computation of the administrative charges nor the particular regulations alleged to have been infringed, and is currently in discussions with NAFDAC with a view to gaining better clarity on the issue and hopefully have it resolved.
“Guinness Nigeria has operated in Nigeria for over 65 years and has conducted its business in accordance with all relevant laws and regulations in Nigeria and Diageo’s global policies and procedures relating to good manufacturing practice.
“Guinness Nigeria is cognizant of its responsibility to adhere to relevant laws and regulations, which are applicable to its operations, including regulations issued by NAFDAC, and takes this obligation seriously.
“We remain committed to working with NAFDAC and other regulatory authorities in furtherance of our responsibility to produce and market quality products, which are enjoyed by consumers throughout Nigeria, and look forward to being able to resolve the issue working in partnership with NAFDAC.”
