The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has once again shut down the notorious Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State, in a decisive operation aimed at curbing the circulation of counterfeit goods.
In its latest raid, dubbed “Operation Clean Up Aba,” the agency uncovered and confiscated fake and substandard food and beverages valued at over ₦5 billion. The Cemetery Market, described as a hub for Africa’s largest counterfeit wine and beverage production, has long been infamous for its production of fake alcoholic drinks, carbonated beverages, and food items.
Details of the Raid
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, hailed the operation as “the most decisive action in the history of the market.”
During the raid, officials discovered:
- Over 240 makeshift factories producing fake products under unsanitary conditions.
- Counterfeit versions of popular brands such as Hennessy, Seaman Schnapps, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Peak Milk, and Hollandia Yoghurt.
- The use of harmful chemicals, contaminated water, and recycled bottles in production processes.
Additionally, three warehouses stockpiling expired Hollandia Yoghurt for fraudulent revalidation were uncovered. Over 1,500 cartons of counterfeit products were destroyed on-site, with the total value estimated at ₦5 billion.
Government Support and Public Appeal
NAFDAC acknowledged the crucial support of the Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Otti, as well as the Mayor of Aba South and the interim market management committee, in facilitating the operation.
Prof. Adeyeye called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious products to the nearest NAFDAC office, assuring the public of the agency’s commitment to safeguarding health and ridding markets of counterfeit goods.
“This is a major step toward protecting public health and ensuring the integrity of products in Nigerian markets,” she said.