The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down 150 shops at Eziukwu Market in Aba, Abia State, following a two-day operation carried out on December 16 and 17, 2024.
In a statement posted on its X handle on Wednesday, the agency revealed it uncovered widespread production and distribution of counterfeit and expired products. These included beverages, carbonated drinks, wines, spirits, vegetable oils, as well as revalidated food items like noodles, powdered milk, and yogurt.
NAFDAC has reported that the counterfeit and expired goods seized during the operation, valued at ₦5 billion, were promptly destroyed.
Martins Iluyomade, the Agency’s Director for the South-East Zone, labeled Eziukwu Market as a hotspot for counterfeit and substandard products. He expressed disappointment over the persistence of illegal activities, despite a prior agreement signed by market leaders in December 2023 to expose counterfeiters.
NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye reaffirmed the Agency’s zero-tolerance policy towards such practices, emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding public health and finding long-term solutions to the issue of counterfeit products.
This operation highlights NAFDAC’s ongoing efforts to eliminate harmful and substandard goods from Nigerian markets.
watch video below