NAFDAC Shuts Down Eziukwu Market, Closes 150 Shops, Reason Emerges

• NAFDAC has shut down 150 shops at Eziukwu Market in Aba, Abia state, uncovering ₦5 billion worth of fake and expired products
• The operation revealed large-scale production and distribution of counterfeit goods, including beverages and revalidated food items
• NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and eradicating counterfeit products in the market

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

This action was taken following the discovery of 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.

Discovery and action

The destroyed items were valued at ₦5 billion. Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of the South-East Zone, described Eziukwu Market as a hub for counterfeit and substandard products.

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He expressed dismay at the continued illegal activities despite a previous undertaking signed by market leaders in December 2023 to expose counterfeiters.

NAFDAC's commitment to public health

Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, director general of NAFDAC, reaffirmed the agency's zero tolerance for such practices.

She emphasised NAFDAC's unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health and working towards a permanent solution to the problem of counterfeit products in the market.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is a Nigerian government agency responsible for regulating and controlling the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, and sale of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, and packaged water.

NAFDAC suspends Multiple Products

Legit.ng reported that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) had announced the withdrawal, suspension, and cancellation of approval for several products.

The decision, which was shared on X, would affect the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale, and use of these products within Nigeria.

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NAFDAC advises the public to discontinue the use, sale, and distribution of these products. The agency emphasised the importance of ensuring that only approved and safe medications are available in the market to protect public health.

Source: Legit.ng