Agency uncovers alleged counterfeit drink operations in Lagos and Aba, arrests two suspects and destroys ₦2.6bn worth of seized goods in Rivers State.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized and destroyed counterfeit and unwholesome products valued at more than ₦5.3 billion within a week, following enforcement operations in Lagos, Abia and Rivers states.
The operations targeted suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages, illegally repackaged drinks, packaging materials, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and food products, according to Christiana Obiazikwor, NAFDAC’s deputy director of public relations.
In an interview with Saturday PUNCH on Friday, Obiazikwor said the agency seized suspected counterfeit alcoholic drinks and illegally repackaged products worth ₦2 billion at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex on October 13.
The agency also seized suspected fake drinks and packaging materials valued at more than ₦700 million in Aba, Abia State, while it destroyed products worth ₦2.6 billion in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Friday.
The combined figures highlight the scale of the agency’s recent enforcement activities, although the products seized in Lagos and Aba have not all been reported as destroyed.
NAFDAC uncovers more than 20 illegal stores in Lagos
According to Obiazikwor, NAFDAC operatives discovered more than 20 illegal stores at Zamfara Plaza within the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex during the October 13 operation.
She said the premises were allegedly used to counterfeit popular alcoholic beverage brands, alter the validity information on expired drinks and stockpile banned imported products.
Two suspects were arrested during the operation, while the seized products were evacuated from the premises.
Channels Television separately reported that the operation followed intelligence gathered by NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate. The agency said its operatives discovered makeshift production areas where suspected counterfeiters allegedly blended drinks, refilled bottles and prepared products for resale.
The Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board subsequently condemned the alleged use of its facilities for counterfeit production and commended NAFDAC for the enforcement action.
The operation is significant because counterfeit alcoholic beverages can be difficult for consumers to distinguish from genuine products when manufacturers use familiar labels, bottles and packaging.
NAFDAC raids shops, uncovers suspected fake drink factory 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 materials were valued at more than ₦700 million and included labels, corks, packs and outer packaging bearing the names of established brands.
The agency said its officers encountered resistance from traders during the operation, disrupting the evacuation of the materials. The shop owners were reportedly absent, and the premises were placed on hold to prevent interference with items left behind.
In a separate operation on October 15, officials uncovered a suspected alcoholic beverage counterfeiting facility at No. 25 Omenazu Street in Aba.
Obiazikwor said the facility was allegedly used to produce spirits and herbal liqueurs under unhygienic conditions.
According to her, the operator fled after officials arrived following a tip-off, leaving behind a vehicle and materials suspected to be connected to the operation.
The vehicle reportedly contained labels and products bearing the names Sir Edwards Scotch Whisky and Scottish Hills Whisky, as well as empty bottles in the boot.
Officials also discovered a drum containing about 200 litres of liquid and a product branded Café Rum Whisky.
Other items reportedly recovered 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 valued the materials and facility at more than ₦500 million.
The discovery raises concerns about the alleged use of industrial chemicals, improvised equipment and unsanitary production methods in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages intended for consumers.
NAFDAC destroys ₦2.6bn worth of goods in Port Harcourt
In Rivers State, NAFDAC destroyed seized products valued at ₦2.6 billion during an exercise in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The goods included pharmaceutical products, chemicals, tomato paste, biscuits and other items classified by the agency as unwholesome.
The Nigeria Customs Service intercepted the products at Onne Port between 2025 and 2026 before their eventual destruction.
Dr Martins Iluyomade, chairman of the Federal Task Force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods in Nigeria, represented NAFDAC Director-General Professor Mojisola Adeyeye at the exercise.
Iluyomade, who is also the agency’s director of investigation and enforcement, said the exercise demonstrated cooperation between NAFDAC and the Nigeria Customs Service in disposing of seized goods.
He explained that the process began in 2025 and was supported by memoranda of understanding between the two agencies.
“The willingness of the officers of the two agencies to make the MoU work is what has led to what we are doing today,” he said.
Iluyomade described the destruction as the first phase of the exercise, adding that more seized goods remained at the port and were expected to be brought for disposal.
He urged the Nigeria Customs Service to facilitate the release of the remaining containers for destruction and called for stronger cooperation among government agencies involved in combating counterfeit products and illicit trade.
Superintendent of Customs Elizabeth Abosede, representing the enforcement unit of the service’s Area II Command, commended NAFDAC for the exercise.
Chukwuma Oligbu, NAFDAC’s South-South zonal director, was represented by his deputy, Rita Chukwuma, who said the exercise formed part of the agency’s regulatory responsibilities.
Fake drinks and medicines pose public health risks
Public health expert Olusoji Aramide warned that adulterated alcoholic beverages could expose consumers to harmful substances.
He also said counterfeit and substandard medicines could contain incorrect ingredients, insufficient quantities of active pharmaceutical ingredients or contaminants, potentially undermining treatment and putting patients at risk.
Counterfeit packaging can make unsafe products appear genuine, concealing their actual contents, origin and expiry dates.
NAFDAC has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious products, illegal manufacturing, repackaging and sales activities to the agency.
Consumers are also advised to check product labels, packaging integrity and registration details before purchasing regulated products.
The latest operations underscore the importance of coordinated enforcement, effective port inspections and public cooperation in tackling counterfeit goods. However, the arrests and seizures will need to be followed by investigations and appropriate legal action to establish responsibility and prevent the alleged operations from resuming.
