The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has closed 150 shops at Eziukwu Market in Aba, Abia State, following the discovery of large-scale production and distribution of counterfeit and expired goods.
In a statement released on its official Facebook page on Wednesday, NAFDAC revealed that the operation, conducted between December 16 and 17, uncovered fake goods valued at ₦5 billion. These goods were subsequently confiscated and destroyed.
Among the counterfeit items seized were beverages, carbonated drinks, wines, spirits, vegetable oils, and revalidated food products like noodles, powdered milk, and yoghurt. Videos shared by the agency show officials removing the substandard items from shops in the market.
The South-East Zonal Director of NAFDAC, Martins Iluyomade, condemned the continued illegal activities at Eziukwu Market, despite a prior commitment by market leaders in December 2023 to expose counterfeiters. He described the market as a hub for counterfeit and substandard goods, expressing disappointment over the lack of compliance.
“The NAFDAC DG, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reaffirms the agency’s zero tolerance for such practices and emphasises its unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health while working toward a permanent solution to the problem of counterfeit products in the market,” he said.