The National Drug Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down 150 shops at Eziukwu Market, Aba, Abia State, during a two-day operation on December 16 and 17, 2024.
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.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye reaffirmed 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.
