By Lukman Olabiyi
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched a renewed operation targeting Africa’s largest counterfeit beverage market, sealing off the notorious Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State, for the second time in two years.
In a statement signed by the agency’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the operation—described as the most aggressive in the market’s history—led to the confiscation of fake food and beverages worth over ₦5 billion.
The Cemetery Market, known as a hub for counterfeiters, was found to be producing substandard alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including well-known brands such as Seaman Schnapps, Hennessy, Carlo Rossi, Smirnoff, and Fanta.
NAFDAC’s actions are part of its ongoing efforts to curb the circulation of dangerous counterfeit products that pose significant health risks.
A combined team of NAFDAC officials, the Nigerian military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police carried out the extensive raid, sealing off specific market zones and locking access gates.
The operation, which follows a similar crackdown in December 2023, revealed over 240 shops disguised as factories where counterfeit beverages were being produced in extremely unhygienic conditions.
The shops were found using water from unsanitary sources, harmful chemicals, and recycled packaging materials. Adulterated alcoholic beverages were mixed with cheaper sugar and starch substitutes, alongside other dangerous chemicals unsuitable for human consumption.
During the operation, over 1,500 cartons of counterfeit products—worth ₦750 million in street value—were destroyed in 2023. The most recent operation, conducted in December 2024, resulted in the seizure of additional fake goods valued at ₦5 billion.
Seized items included counterfeit soft drinks like Coca-Cola, Schweppes, Lacasera, and energy drinks, as well as fake milk and chocolate drink products, including Peak Sachet Milk and Miksi Sachet Milk.
In a related development, NAFDAC officials uncovered three major warehouses stockpiling expired Hollandia Yoghurt intended for revalidation on 22 January 2025.
NAFDAC’s efforts have received significant support from the Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Otti, as well as other local stakeholders, including the Mayor of Aba South.
The agency has called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected counterfeit products to the nearest NAFDAC office, reaffirming its commitment to protecting public health.