NAFDAC shuts down 150 shops in Aba, uncovers ₦5bn worth of fake goods

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down 150 shops at Eziukwu Market in Aba, Abia State, during a two-day operation conducted on December 16 and 17, 2024.

In a statement shared on its X handle on Wednesday, the Agency revealed it uncovered large-scale production and distribution of fake and expired products, including beverages, carbonated drinks, wines, spirits, vegetable oils, and revalidated food items such as noodles, powdered milk, and yoghurt.

NAFDAC reported that the seized items, valued at ₦5 billion, were destroyed.

Martins Iluyomade, the Agency’s Director for the South-East Zone, described Eziukwu Market as a hub for counterfeit and substandard products.

He expressed disappointment over the continued illegal activities despite a previous agreement signed by market leaders in December 2023 to expose counterfeiters.

NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye reiterated the Agency’s zero-tolerance policy for such practices, highlighting its commitment to protecting public health and finding a long-term solution to the menace of counterfeit products.

The operation underscores NAFDAC’s intensified efforts to rid Nigerian markets of harmful and substandard goods.