The Association of Raw Gin Producers of Nigeria has started regulating the production of local alcoholic drinks, commonly known as ogogoro, to ensure safer practices and improve quality.
In a statement on Wednesday, the association said this move aligns with existing laws, including Decree No. 54 of 1970 and the Control of Distillation and Spirit Drink Regulation Gazette No. 55, Volume 93 of 2006.
ARGPON, formerly known as Nigeria Distillers Associates, said the goal is to educate local distillers and dealers on global best practices and eliminate harmful production methods.
“These efforts are necessary due to the health risks associated with poor production and distribution methods,” the statement read.
The association noted that its efforts also align with the Federal Government’s proposed national policy on alcohol sales and distribution.
ARGPON’s National Chairman, Adebisi Adekanye, and Board Secretary, Anthony Okoro, stressed the need for internal regulation.
“The government’s good intentions in legalizing local gin are being undermined. It is time for producers to adopt modern technologies and improve the quality of their products,” they said.
The association announced that it is working with the Federal Industrial Institute of Research to develop modern distilling equipment. These new distilling cones are expected to boost production output by over 1,000 per cent while eliminating harmful metallic sediments caused by traditional methods using rusty drums.
“This initiative will create jobs and contribute to the nation’s economy,” the statement added.
To ensure proper regulation, ARGPON is conducting a mass registration of local gin producers and dealers nationwide. Identified centers are being set up to make registration easier, and all registered producers will receive permits after their production processes meet approved standards.
Producers and dealers are advised to visit ARGPON’s website or national secretariat in Lagos for registration. The exercise is set to begin fully in the first week of February.
