The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken a significant step in its fight against counterfeit goods by shutting down 150 shops at Eziukwu Market, Aba, Abia State, during an extensive two-day operation on December 16 and 17, 2024.
In an official statement shared on its X handle on Wednesday, NAFDAC disclosed the shocking discovery of large-scale production, storage, and distribution of fake and expired products. These items included beverages, carbonated drinks, wines, spirits, vegetable oils, and revalidated food items such as noodles, powdered milk, and yoghurt, which were being circulated in the market despite their substandard quality.
The agency confirmed that the seized counterfeit products were collectively valued at ₦5 billion and have since been destroyed to prevent further harm to consumers.
Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director for the South-East Zone, described Eziukwu Market as a central hub for the trade of counterfeit and substandard goods. He expressed deep disappointment over the persistence of illegal activities in the market, especially after market leaders signed an agreement in December 2023, promising to expose counterfeiters and support NAFDAC’s efforts to rid the market of harmful products.
In a separate statement, the NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance policy toward counterfeit and substandard goods. She emphasized NAFDAC’s commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that Nigerian markets are free from harmful products. Prof. Adeyeye also stated that the agency is working on finding long-term solutions to this menace.
This operation underscores NAFDAC’s renewed vigor in its mission to safeguard public health and ensure compliance with regulatory standards in Nigerian markets. The agency reassured Nigerians that its intensified actions would continue until counterfeit goods are eradicated.
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NAFDAC Shuts Down Eziukwu Market Over Fake and Expired Products Worth ₦5 Billion.
NAFDAC has shut down 150 shops at Eziukwu Market, Aba, Abia State, during a two-day operation on December 16 and 17, 2024. pic.twitter.com/epbdGfvciQ
— NAFDAC NIGERIA (@NafdacAgency) December 18, 2024
The team uncovered large-scale production and distribution of fake and expired goods, including beverages, carbonated drinks, wines, spirits, vegetable oils, and revalidated food items such as noodles, powdered milk, and yoghurt.
The destroyed items were valued at ₦5 billion. pic.twitter.com/gZusIQYssO
— NAFDAC NIGERIA (@NafdacAgency) December 18, 2024
Describing the market as a hub for counterfeit and substandard products, the Director, South-East Zone, Dr. Martins Iluyomade expressed dismay at the continued illegal activities, despite a previous undertaking signed by market leaders in December 2023 to expose counterfeiters. pic.twitter.com/KcSTj2xUb0
— NAFDAC NIGERIA (@NafdacAgency) December 18, 2024
