The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized and destroyed counterfeit and unwholesome products valued at more than N5.3bn in a week following enforcement operations in Lagos, Abia and Rivers states.
The agency’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Christiana Obiazikwor, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with Saturday PUNCH on Friday, detailing operations targeting suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages, illegally repackaged products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, tomato paste, biscuits and other goods.
According to Obiazikwor, NAFDAC seized suspected counterfeit alcoholic drinks and illegally brewed or repackaged products valued at N2bn at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex on October 13.
The agency also confiscated suspected fake alcoholic drinks and packaging materials worth more than N700m in Aba, Abia State, while products valued at N2.6bn were destroyed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Friday.
The operations underscore the agency’s efforts to combat counterfeit products, illegal manufacturing and the circulation of potentially dangerous goods in Nigerian markets.
NAFDAC Uncovers Illegal Alcoholic Beverage Operations in Lagos
Obiazikwor said NAFDAC operatives uncovered more than 20 illegal stores at Zamfara Plaza within the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.
The agency reportedly discovered activities involving the counterfeiting of popular alcoholic beverage brands, the revalidation of expired drinks and the storage of banned imported products.
Two suspects were arrested during the operation, while the seized products were evacuated from the premises.
The operation formed part of NAFDAC’s efforts to identify and disrupt the supply chains used to manufacture, repackage and distribute suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages.
Fake Drinks, Packaging Materials Seized in Aba
In Aba, NAFDAC operatives raided five shops at Old Court Road Market over suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages and packaging materials.
Obiazikwor said the seized items were valued at more than N700m.
The materials reportedly included fake labels, corks, packs and outer packaging bearing the names of established beverage brands.
According to the agency, its officers encountered resistance from traders during the operation, affecting the evacuation of the materials.
NAFDAC added that the shop owners were absent and that the premises were placed on hold to prevent interference with the items left behind.
Suspected Fake Whisky Production Facility Discovered
In a related operation, NAFDAC officials uncovered a suspected alcoholic beverage counterfeiting facility at No. 25 Omenazu Street, Aba, on October 15.
Obiazikwor said the premises were allegedly being used to produce spirits and herbal liqueurs under unhygienic conditions.
She explained that the operator fled after officials arrived following a tip-off, abandoning his vehicle at the location.
The vehicle reportedly contained labels and products bearing the names Sir Edwards Scotch Whisky and Scottish Hills Whisky, alongside empty bottles in the boot.
Operatives also discovered a drum containing approximately 200 litres of liquid and a product branded Café Rum Whisky.
Other items found at the facility included 200-litre drums containing ethanol, plastic buckets, pieces of tree bark, packaging materials, corks, tanks containing liquid mixtures, dirty sieves, sealing machines, bottles bearing popular brand names and cartons.
Obiazikwor said the materials and facility were valued at more than N500m.
The discovery raised concerns about the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages outside regulated manufacturing conditions.
NAFDAC Destroys N2.6bn Worth of Seized Goods in Port Harcourt
In Port Harcourt, NAFDAC destroyed products valued at N2.6bn in a separate enforcement exercise.
The goods included pharmaceutical products, chemicals, tomato paste, biscuits and other items classified by the agency as unwholesome.
The products had been intercepted and seized by the Nigeria Customs Service at Onne Port between 2025 and 2026.
Speaking at the destruction site on Friday, the Chairman of the Federal Task Force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods in Nigeria, Dr Martins Iluyomade, represented NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye.
Iluyomade, who is also NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, said the exercise demonstrated cooperation between the agency and the Nigeria Customs Service in disposing of seized goods.
He explained that the process began in 2025 and that both agencies had signed memoranda of understanding to facilitate the destruction of the products.
According to him, the successful exercise reflected the commitment of officers from both agencies to implementing their agreements.
Iluyomade described the destruction as the first phase, noting that additional seized goods were expected to be moved from the port for disposal.
He urged the Nigeria Customs Service to facilitate the movement of the remaining containers to ensure the prompt destruction of the products.
The NAFDAC official also called for stronger cooperation among government agencies responsible for combating counterfeit products and other illicit activities, warning against inter-agency rivalry.
Representing the Enforcement Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service, Area II Command, Superintendent of Customs Elizabeth Abosede commended NAFDAC for the exercise.
The South-South Zonal Director of NAFDAC, Chukwuma Oligbu, represented by his deputy, Rita Chukwuma, said the exercise was part of the agency’s regulatory responsibilities.
She explained that the objective was to remove fake and substandard products from communities and prevent them from reaching consumers.
Health Risks Associated With Counterfeit Drinks and Medicines
Public health concerns remain central to the fight against counterfeit and substandard products, particularly alcoholic beverages and medicines.
Public health expert Olusoji Aramide warned that adulterated alcoholic beverages could expose consumers to harmful substances.
He also explained that counterfeit or substandard medicines might contain incorrect ingredients, insufficient quantities of active ingredients or contaminants, potentially undermining treatment and placing patients at risk.
Aramide added that counterfeit packaging could make fake products appear genuine, concealing their actual origins, expiry dates or contents.
These risks highlight the importance of effective regulatory oversight, public awareness and collaboration among enforcement agencies to prevent potentially harmful products from entering the market.
NAFDAC Urges Nigerians to Report Suspicious Products
NAFDAC has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspected illegal manufacturing, repackaging and sales activities to the agency.
Consumers are encouraged to pay attention to product labels, packaging integrity, expiry dates and other signs that may raise concerns about a product’s authenticity.
The agency’s latest operations across Lagos, Abia and Rivers states highlight the scale of enforcement efforts against suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages and other unwholesome goods.
With further seized consignments expected to undergo destruction, cooperation between NAFDAC, the Nigeria Customs Service and other government agencies will remain important in efforts to protect public health and curb the circulation of fake and substandard products.