By Chidinma Kalu
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has once again shut down the infamous Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State, marking the second closure in two years.
In its latest operation, tagged “Operation Clean Up Aba”, the agency uncovered and confiscated fake and substandard food and beverages worth over ₦5 billion.
Described as a hub for Africa’s largest counterfeit wine and beverage cartel, Cemetery Market has been notorious for the production of fake alcoholic drinks, carbonated beverages, and other food products.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, in a statement signed on Tuesday, called the raid “the most decisive action in the history of the market.”
“This is a major step toward safeguarding public health and curbing the circulation of fake products in Nigeria.” she said
The operation reportedly uncovered over 240 makeshift factories producing counterfeit products under highly unsanitary conditions.
According to Adeyeye, these illegal factories employed harmful chemicals, contaminated water, and recycled bottles to create fake versions of popular brands such as Hennessy, Seaman Schnapps, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Peak Milk, and Hollandia Yoghurt.
“These criminal elements use unhygienic sources of water, saccharin, colouring agents, and harmful chemicals unsuitable for human consumption. The adulteration of alcoholic beverages involves cheaper sugars and starches instead of fruits or grapes,” Adeyeye explained.
During the raid, over 1,500 cartons of counterfeit products were destroyed on-site, with the total street value of the seized and destroyed goods estimated at ₦5 billion. NAFDAC also discovered three warehouses stockpiling expired Hollandia Yoghurt slated for revalidation on January 22.
The agency commended the Abia State Government for its support. “The unwavering support of Governor Alex Otti, the Mayor of Aba South, and the interim market management committee has been critical to the success of Operation Clean Up Aba” Adeyeye added
NAFDAC urged Nigerians to stay vigilant and report any suspicious products to the nearest NAFDAC office. “We are determined to safeguard the health of the nation and rid markets of fake and substandard products”.
