The notorious Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State, has once again been closed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.NAFDAC Director General Professor Mojisola Adeyeye said in a statement on Tuesday that this is the second action in two years.
She characterized the raid as “the most decisive action in the history of the market,” saying NAFDAC also identified and confiscated fraudulent and substandard food and drinks worth over ₦5 billion in its newest operation tagged Operation Clean Up Aba.
Over 240 makeshift factories were reportedly found during the operation, creating counterfeit goods in unhygienic conditions. “This is a major step toward safeguarding public health and curbing the circulation of fake products in Nigeria,” Adeyeye added.
According to Adeyeye, these companies produced counterfeit goods under well-known brands including Hennessy, Seaman Schnapps, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Peak Milk, and Hollandia Yoghurt using hazardous chemicals, tainted water, and recycled bottles.
These criminal elements use hazardous chemicals that are unfit for human consumption, saccharin, coloring additives, and unsanitary water sources. Adeyeye clarified that cheaper sugars and starches are used to adulterate alcoholic beverages rather than fruits or grapes.
More than 1,500 cartons of counterfeit goods were destroyed on the spot, she continued, and the estimated street value of all the items confiscated and destroyed was ₦5 billion.
According to the head of NAFDAC, the operation also resulted in the January 22 revalidation of three warehouses that were storing expired Hollandia Yoghurt.
She also urged Nigerians to be on guard and report any strange products to the closest NAFDAC office, and she praised the Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Otti, for supporting the raid.
“The success of Operation Clean Up Aba has been greatly aided by the steadfast support of Governor Alex Otti, the Mayor of Aba South, and the interim market management committee,” the Director-General stated.
“We are committed to protecting the country’s health and purging markets of counterfeit and inferior goods,” Adeyeye declared.
The Cemetery Market has gained notoriety for manufacturing counterfeit food items, carbonated drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
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