NAFDAC Shuts Down Eziukwu Market Over Fake, Expired Products Worth ₦5 Billion

The National Agency for Foods, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down 150 shops at Eziukwu Market, in Aba, Abia State.

The Director General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, said goods valued at ₦5 billion were destroyed.

She disclosed this on Wednesday.

NAFDAC said the Eziukwu market was filled with a team producing fake and expired goods on a large scale, including beverages, carbonated drinks, wines, spirits, vegetable oils among other products.

The sting operation, NAFDAC said, was carried out on the 16th and 17th of December.

“The team uncovered large-scale production and distribution of fake and expired goods, including beverages, carbonated drinks, wines, spirits, vegetable oils, and revalidated food items such as noodles, powdered milk, and yoghurt.

“The destroyed items were valued at ₦5 billion.

“Describing the market as a hub for counterfeit and substandard products, the Director of South-East Zone, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, expressed dismay at the continued illegal activities, despite a previous undertaking signed by market leaders in December 2023 to expose counterfeiters,” NAFDAC’s statement read in part.

NAFDAC’s Professor Adeyeye reiterated the agency’s zero tolerance for such practices. She emphasized its unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health while working toward a permanent solution to the problem of counterfeit products in the market.