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 move described as a major crackdown on the production and sale of counterfeit products.
This latest operation marks the second closure of the market in two years, according to NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, who issued a statement on Tuesday. She called the raid “the most decisive action in the history of the market” and revealed that over ₦5 billion worth of fake and substandard food and beverages were confiscated during the operation, named Operation Clean Up Aba.
“This is a significant step toward protecting public health and curbing the circulation of fake products in Nigeria,” Adeyeye said.
During the operation, NAFDAC uncovered more than 240 makeshift factories operating under unsanitary conditions, producing counterfeit products, including popular brands like Hennessy, Seaman Schnapps, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Peak Milk, and Hollandia Yoghurt.
“These illegal factories use harmful chemicals, contaminated water, and recycled bottles to manufacture fake products. In some cases, cheaper sugars and starches are used in place of fruits or grapes in alcoholic beverages,” Adeyeye explained.
In total, more than 1,500 cartons of counterfeit goods were destroyed on-site, with an estimated street value of ₦5 billion. Additionally, three warehouses stockpiling expired Hollandia Yoghurt for revalidation were also uncovered during the raid.
The NAFDAC Director-General praised the support of the Abia State Government, particularly Governor Alex Otti, and local authorities, including the Mayor of Aba South and the interim market management committee. She urged Nigerians to stay vigilant and report any suspicious products to NAFDAC.
“The unwavering support of Governor Alex Otti and the local authorities has been instrumental to the success of Operation Clean Up Aba,” Adeyeye said. “We are committed to safeguarding the health of Nigerians by removing fake and substandard products from the market.”
The Cemetery Market, long notorious for its production of counterfeit food and beverages, continues to be a major focus of NAFDAC’s efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of consumers.