The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down 150 shops in Eziukwu Market, Aba, Abia State, during a two-day crackdown on December 16 and 17, 2024.
In a statement shared on its X account on Wednesday, NAFDAC revealed the discovery of large-scale production and distribution of fake and expired goods. These included beverages, carbonated drinks, wines, spirits, vegetable oils, and revalidated food items such as noodles, powdered milk, and yoghurt.
The Agency disclosed that it destroyed counterfeit items worth an estimated ₦5 billion.
Describing the market as a hub for substandard and counterfeit products, Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s South-East Zonal Director, expressed disappointment at the continued illegal activities. This comes despite a pledge made by market leaders in December 2023 to expose counterfeiters operating within the area.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reiterated the Agency’s zero tolerance for counterfeit goods and its firm commitment to protecting public health. She also emphasised ongoing efforts to find a permanent solution to the issue of counterfeit products in the market.
This latest operation underscores NAFDAC’s determination to curb the proliferation of fake goods and safeguard consumer trust.