In a decisive move to protect public health, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down 150 shops at the popular Eziukwu Market in Aba, Abia State. This operation, carried out on December 16 and 17, 2023, marks a significant step in the agency’s ongoing efforts to combat the widespread issue of counterfeit and expired products in Nigerian markets.
Massive Operation Against Counterfeit Products
According to a statement shared on NAFDAC’s official Facebook page, the operation uncovered a large-scale network involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit and expired goods. The agency discovered a variety of dangerous products, including beverages, carbonated drinks, wines, spirits, vegetable oils, and revalidated food items like noodles, powdered milk, and yogurt. These items were deemed unfit for consumption and posed serious health risks to the public.
In total, goods worth N5 billion were seized and destroyed during the two-day enforcement action. NAFDAC also released eight video clips that captured the removal of these harmful products from the shelves of the affected shops, showcasing the scale of the operation and the extent of the counterfeit goods being circulated.
Concerns Over Ongoing Illegal Activities
The operation was led by Martins Iluyomade, the South-East Zonal Director of NAFDAC, who expressed deep concern over the persistence of illegal activities at Eziukwu Market. Despite an earlier agreement in December 2023 between market leaders and NAFDAC to address the issue of counterfeit goods, illegal traders continue to exploit the market, prioritizing profits over public safety.
Mr. Iluyomade emphasized that Eziukwu Market had become a notorious hub for counterfeit and substandard products. He reiterated NAFDAC’s commitment to eradicating such activities and safeguarding public health in the region.
NAFDAC’s Commitment to Consumer Safety
The agency’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has been vocal in her commitment to eliminating counterfeit products in Nigeria. She has repeatedly stressed NAFDAC’s zero tolerance for the sale of fake and expired goods, particularly in local markets.
In her statement, Prof. Adeyeye referred to these counterfeit items as “weapons of mass destruction,” highlighting the severe health risks posed by such products. Many of these goods can cause food poisoning, long-term health complications, and even fatalities, which is why NAFDAC is taking such a strong stance against them.
NAFDAC’s crackdown on Eziukwu Market serves as a reminder of the agency’s efforts to ensure safe, high-quality products for Nigerian consumers. However, the agency also expressed concern that many traders continue to flout regulations despite repeated warnings.
Protecting Public Health: A Shared Responsibility
Mr. Iluyomade’s remarks also stressed the need for greater collaboration between market leaders, traders, and regulatory authorities to ensure that counterfeit goods are rooted out once and for all. He urged traders to prioritize consumer safety over profits, emphasizing that the sale of counterfeit and substandard products harms both public health and their businesses in the long run.
NAFDAC’s strong enforcement efforts are essential for creating a safe consumer environment. This operation at Eziukwu Market underscores the agency’s determination to clamp down on the illegal trade of harmful products and send a clear message that such practices will not be tolerated.
The Bigger Picture: Counterfeit Products as a Public Health Threat
The Eziukwu Market operation is just one part of NAFDAC’s broader strategy to combat the pervasive issue of counterfeit products in Nigerian markets. Across the country, there are numerous markets where fake and expired goods continue to circulate, often at the expense of consumer safety. These products, from food and drinks to medicines and household items, can have devastating effects on health.
NAFDAC has consistently described counterfeit items as “weapons of mass destruction,” emphasizing the severe public health risks they pose. The agency’s recent operation at Eziukwu Market is just the latest in a series of enforcement actions aimed at protecting Nigerian consumers from these dangerous products.
What’s Next for Eziukwu Market?
The closure of 150 shops at Eziukwu Market is a clear message that NAFDAC is serious about its commitment to public health and safety. However, the challenge remains ongoing. Market leaders, traders, and regulators must all work together to ensure that markets are free from counterfeit products and that the health and well-being of Nigerians are protected.
As the Eziukwu Market operation shows, NAFDAC’s fight against counterfeit goods is far from over. The agency will continue to monitor markets and conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards. Traders who continue to engage in illegal practices will face further action, while those who comply with the regulations will help contribute to a safer market environment.
In Conclusion
The closure of shops at Eziukwu Market is a critical reminder of the importance of regulation in protecting the public. While this action is a significant step forward, it also highlights the need for continuous vigilance and collaboration between authorities and the public. Nigerians must continue to support NAFDAC’s efforts by ensuring that counterfeit products are exposed and reported. Together, we can help create a safer market environment for all consumers.
Stay tuned for more updates as NAFDAC continues its efforts to eliminate counterfeit products and safeguard public health across Nigeria.