NIGERIA – The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has, for the second time, shut down the Aba Cemetery Market in Abia State, a notorious hub for the production and distribution of counterfeit wines and beverages.
In a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday, NAFDAC Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye described the market as a stronghold for one of Africa’s largest counterfeit beverage cartels.
She emphasized that the agency’s decisive action was aimed at curbing the circulation of fake and substandard alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks across Nigeria.
According to Mrs. Adeyeye, the operation was carried out in collaboration with the military, the State Security Service (SSS), and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The raid targeted over 240 illegal production sites disguised as shops, where unsafe products were being manufactured and distributed.
Counterfeit products and unsanitary conditions
NAFDAC’s investigation revealed alarming levels of product adulteration. Mrs. Adeyeye noted that various brands of wines and spirits were being counterfeited, including Seaman Schnapps, Hennessy, Carlo Rossi, Jenney, Chelsea London Dry Gin, McDowell’s, Black Label, Gordons, Martell, Campari, Smirnoff Ice, Eva Non-Alcoholic Drink, and Cartel, among others.
She further detailed the hazardous conditions under which these counterfeit beverages were being produced.
“The shops-turned-factories are very filthy, using water from highly unhygienic sources, harmful chemicals, saccharin, coloring agents, and dirty recycled bottles with cloned packaging materials of reputable brands,” she stated.
The counterfeiting process involved substituting quality ingredients, such as grapes and fruit extracts, with cheaper sources of sugar, starch, and other harmful chemicals unsuitable for human consumption.
Scale of the operation
During the enforcement action, NAFDAC destroyed over 1,500 cartons of counterfeit and substandard products.
The agency estimated the value of confiscated and destroyed fake products in 2023 at over N750 million (US$488.6 thousand). The latest crackdown on December 15, 2024, resulted in the seizure of counterfeit products worth N5 billion (US$3.2M).
The products being mopped up include soft and carbonated drinks such as Fanta, Coca-Cola, Schweppes, Lacasera, Sprite, Hollandia Yoghurt, Super Commando Energy Drink, Fayrouz, and Amstel Malta.
Fake dairy and chocolate products, including Peak Sachet Milk, Cowbell Sachet Milk, Peak Chocolate Drink, Miksi Sachet Milk, Cadbury Chocolate Drink, and Ovaltine, were also discovered in the market.
Government support and further investigations
Mrs. Adeyeye acknowledged the role of Abia State Governor Alex Otti in supporting “Operation Clean Up Aba,” which led to the recent shutdown of the market.
She also commended the Mayor of Aba South, the interim management committee of the market, and other stakeholders for their cooperation.
Further investigations led to the discovery of three additional major warehouses stockpiling expired Hollandia Yoghurt for planned revalidation on January 22, 2025. NAFDAC is now working to dismantle these networks and prevent further threats to public health.
Call for public vigilance
Reaffirming NAFDAC’s commitment to safeguarding public health, Mrs. Adeyeye urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products or activities to the agency’s nearest office.
“The fight against counterfeit and substandard regulated products is a collective responsibility. We encourage consumers and businesses to report any suspicious goods to help prevent health hazards caused by unsafe products,” she stated.
