The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has again shut down the infamous Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State.
This latest action is the second in two years, NAFDAC Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, said in a statement on Tuesday.
She described the raid as “the most decisive action in the history of the market,” saying NAFDAC also uncovered and confiscated fake and substandard food and beverages worth over ₦5 billion in its latest operation tagged Operation Clean Up Aba.
“This is a major step toward safeguarding public health and curbing the circulation of fake products in Nigeria,” Adeyeye said.
During the operation, over 240 makeshift factories were said to have been discovered, producing counterfeit products under unsanitary conditions.
Adeyeye stated that these factories used harmful chemicals, contaminated water and recycled bottles to manufacture fake versions of popular brands, including Hennessy, Seaman Schnapps, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Peak Milk and Hollandia Yoghurt.
“These criminal elements use unhygienic sources of water, saccharin, colouring agents, and harmful chemicals unsuitable for human consumption. The adulteration of alcoholic beverages involves cheaper sugars and starches instead of fruits or grapes,” Adeyeye explained.
She added that over 1,500 cartons of fake products were destroyed on-site, with the total street value of the seized and destroyed goods estimated at ₦5 billion.
The NAFDAC boss noted that the operation also led to the discovery of three warehouses stockpiling expired Hollandia Yoghurt for revalidation on January 22.
She also commended the Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Otti, for supporting the raid, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“The unwavering support of Governor Alex Otti, the Mayor of Aba South, and the interim market management committee has been critical to the success of Operation Clean Up Aba,” the Director-General said.
We are determined to safeguard the health of the nation and rid markets of fake and substandard products,” Adeyeye said.
The Cemetery Market has been notorious for producing fake alcoholic drinks, carbonated beverages, and food products.