The National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration, and Control, NAFDAC, has urged for action to clean up Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State, over allegations that some shops in the market have been transformed into facilities for producing fake products.
The regulatory agency made the call in Aba while briefing journalists about raids conducted by its personnel in the market on Monday and Tuesday, during which fake and expired products harmful to human consumption were uncovered.
Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC South East Zone director, addressed journalists on Tuesday, revealing that they received information about the activities at the market, prompting them to launch an investigation that uncovered illicit operations.
Iluyomade explained that numerous shops were reportedly repurposed as manufacturing centers for various wines and expensive drinks, as well as for tampering with expiration dates on products.
“We have the cooperation of the state government. So far, we’ve discovered 240 shops used for the illegal manufacturing of fake consumables. About 10 persons have been arrested and the arrest is still ongoing.
“No wonder we have all manner of health issues and the funny thing is that we use our money to buy this evil. Our DG is not leaving any stone unturned in getting rid of fake products in our market,” Iluyomade said.
In response to the discovery, the Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders, COSEYL, disapproved of the situation and urged for strong action.
Goodluck Ibem, leader of COSEYL, urged the National Assembly to consider amending the constitution to enforce capital punishment as a penalty for the production and marketing of fake products.
He also called on the Abia State government to provide more support to NAFDAC in its efforts to purge the markets of fake products and enable legitimate traders to conduct their business.
Additionally, the chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation in Aba, Prof. Charles Chinekezi, emphasized the need for NAFDAC and other law enforcement agencies to take decisive action against perpetrators of such activities.
He highlighted that some individuals previously arrested for similar offenses reportedly returned to their illegal businesses after being released.
