If you are one of those who think the ruling All Progressives Congress’s change mantra is just a ruse, you had better think again. Going by the spate of fines imposed on corporate misdeeds in recent days, change is indeed here. The fine bug has caught another victim, Guinness Nigeria. The company had been fined $5 million (N1 trillion) by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over alleged infractions relating to the destruction and re-validation of expired raw materials without prior approval.
The local unit of Diageo said it did not fully understand the basis for the fine, nor the particular regulations infringed, but was in talks with the agency to resolve the matter.
It said Guinness had operated in Nigeria for over 65 years and had conducted its business in accordance with the law and Diageo’s procedures relating to manufacturing practice.
“We remain committed to working with NAFDAC and other regulatory authorities … to produce and market quality products … and look forward to being able to resolve the issue,” the brewer said in a statement.
The NAFDAC gave Guinness, Nigeria’s second-largest brewer, two-weeks from November 9 to pay the fine.
