The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has again closed down the notorious Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State.
It was gathered that the action is the second in two years, as disclosed on Tuesday by the NAFDAC Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye.
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She described the raid as “the most decisive action in the history of the market,” saying NAFDAC also unearths and seized fake and substandard food and beverages worth over N5 billion in its latest operation tagged Operation Clean Up Aba.
“This is a major step toward safeguarding public health and curbing the circulation of fake products in Nigeria,” Adeyeye said.
During the operation, over 240 makeshift factories were said to have been discovered, producing counterfeit products under unhealthy conditions.
The director general stated that these factories used harmful chemicals, contaminated water and recycled bottles to manufacture fake versions of popular brands, including Hennessy, Seaman Schnapps, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Peak Milk and Hollandia Yoghurt.
“These criminal elements use unhygienic sources of water, saccharin, colouring agents, and harmful chemicals unsuitable for human consumption. The adulteration of alcoholic beverages involves cheaper sugars and starches instead of fruits or grapes,” Adeyeye explained.
Additionally, over 1,500 cartons of fake products were destroyed on-site, with the total street value of the seized and destroyed goods estimated at N5 billion.
The NAFDAC boss noted that the operation also led to the discovery of three warehouses stockpiling expired Hollandia Yoghurt for revalidation on January 22.
She also lauded the Abia State Government under the administration of Governor Alex Otti, for supporting the raid, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“The unwavering support of Governor Alex Otti, the Mayor of Aba South, and the interim market management committee has been critical to the success of Operation Clean Up Aba,” the Director-General said.
“We are determined to safeguard the health of the nation and rid markets of fake and substandard products,” Adeyeye said.
The Cemetery Market has been noted for producing fake alcoholic drinks, carbonated beverages, and food products.
The issue of fake products in Nigeria remains a significant challenge, especially in sectors like pharmaceuticals, food, electronics, and cosmetics.
The Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) reported a rise in the number of counterfeit and substandard medicines in circulation.
Fake drugs continue to be a leading concern, especially with common illnesses like malaria and infections.
NAFDAC has seized tons of counterfeit medicines, but the prevalence remains high, with experts estimating that up to 20% of the medicines available in some regions are counterfeit.
In 2024, estimates suggest that Nigeria could still be losing around $1.5 billion annually due to counterfeit products. This impacts local industries, reduces foreign investment, and harms both consumers and legitimate businesses.
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