NAFDAC Reaffirms Mandatory Registration for Packaged Zobo, Tigernut Drinks in Nigeria.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reiterated that locally manufactured packaged food and beverages, including bottled zobo and tigernut drinks, must be registered with the agency before they can be legally sold in Nigeria.
The agency said the requirement applies to businesses of all sizes, stressing that locally produced beverages intended for commercial distribution must undergo the necessary safety assessments and laboratory examinations to establish their suitability for human consumption.
NAFDAC’s Resident Media and Communication Consultant, Sayo Akintola, disclosed the agency’s position in an interview with Punch wise He explained that product samples must be subjected to laboratory testing to verify their safety and ensure that manufacturers comply with applicable standards.
Akintola maintained that registration is not limited to large manufacturing companies but also applies to small scale businesses operating within product categories regulated by the agency.
According to him, selling regulated products without the required registration could expose businesses to regulatory enforcement, including the seizure of products, closure of production facilities and possible prosecution under applicable federal laws.
Viral Zobo Video Brings Registration Requirements into Focus
The clarification follows public reactions to a viral video circulated on October 28, 2026, showing police officers questioning a woman selling bottled zobo drinks over the absence of a NAFDAC registration number and appropriate product labelling.
The incident generated discussions about the regulation of locally produced beverages, particularly the implications for small scale traders and entrepreneurs who depend on traditional drinks as a source of income.
However, NAFDAC’s position requires an important distinction between commercially packaged beverages and drinks sold informally.
In an earlier clarification reported by Premium Times, the agency’s spokesperson, Christiana Obiazikwor, explained that zobo sold in ordinary containers without commercial packaging, sealing or labelling does not fall under the same product registration requirement. She stated that the regulatory requirement applies when the drink is packaged, sealed and labelled for sale.
This distinction is important because it clarifies that the agency’s registration requirement is directed at commercially packaged products rather than every individual selling freshly prepared traditional beverages.
What the Requirements Mean for Small Scale Producers
NAFDAC’s registration guidelines establish that locally manufactured food products intended for commercial sale must meet the agency’s registration and safety requirements.
The process involves relevant business documentation, product information, facility inspections and appropriate safety assessments. Product labels must also provide essential information to consumers, including the product name, manufacturer’s details, ingredients, batch number, production date and expiry or best-before date, alongside the applicable registration information.
The agency also provides regulatory guidance for micro, small and medium sized enterprises producing locally sourced beverages, including zobo, kunu and tigernut drinks.
For small scale entrepreneurs, compliance may require investment in hygienic production facilities, proper packaging, product testing and adequate storage arrangements.
Beyond regulatory compliance, food safety remains a significant public health concern. Poor hygiene during preparation, handling and storage can expose consumers to harmful microorganisms and foodborne illnesses.
Consumers are therefore encouraged to pay attention to product packaging, cleanliness, storage conditions and signs of spoilage when purchasing locally produced beverages.
Balancing Public Health and Small Business Development
The renewed emphasis on registration highlights the responsibility of regulatory authorities to protect consumers while ensuring that small businesses understand and can navigate the applicable requirements.
Traditional beverages such as zobo and tigernut milk remain important parts of Nigeria’s informal food economy, providing income opportunities for local entrepreneurs and supporting demand for agricultural produce.
As the sector expands, effective regulation, accessible registration guidance and public awareness will be important in promoting safer production without unnecessarily discouraging small scale enterprise.
NAFDAC’s clarification reinforces the importance of ensuring that commercially packaged beverages meet established safety standards before reaching consumers.