The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified its crackdown on counterfeit and substandard products with the arrest of a suspected chemical counterfeiter and the sealing of two illegal factories in Abuja.
The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Mr. Ikechukwu Elijah, a local footballer in the Apo-Waru axis, was apprehended for running an unlicensed chemical production plant from a residential building. According to NAFDAC officials, Elijah manufactured counterfeit insecticides and other hazardous products under popular brand names, putting unsuspecting consumers at risk.
During the raid, led by Mr. Embugushiki Godiya, Desk Officer at the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate of NAFDAC and a member of the Federal Task Force on Counterfeit and Substandard Medicines, Elijah initially denied ownership of the factory but later confessed after a search revealed incriminating evidence. His younger brother, found inside the premises, was also arrested.
Seized from the makeshift facility were sealing machines, industrial cylinders, chemical containers, and finished counterfeit goods ready for distribution.
In the same operation, NAFDAC operatives sealed MZEE Table Water, an illegal water factory located in Damangaza district. The facility was discovered to be producing sachet and bottled water under unhygienic conditions with an expired and allegedly forged license. Officials said the site lacked basic certification requirements, including a functioning borehole and standard water treatment facilities.
The factory owner, who was contacted by phone during the raid, insisted that his registration was valid but failed to provide documentation or appear in person.
In a follow-up enforcement action, NAFDAC stormed a plaza opposite the World Trade Centre in Abuja’s Central Business District, where counterfeit rice and packaging materials were uncovered. Bags of popular rice brands were found being illegally re-bagged with sealing machines before being pushed into markets.
Mr. Godiya said the total street value of the confiscated counterfeit goods exceeded ₦60 million. He emphasised that the operations were carried out under the directive of NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who has charged the agency with protecting Nigerians from unsafe food and dangerous chemicals.
“Counterfeiters are becoming more sophisticated, but so are we,” Godiya said. “These arrests and seizures send a strong warning that NAFDAC will not relent in ensuring the safety of the Nigerian public. Those arrested will face prosecution in line with the law.”
The agency also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing unbranded or suspiciously packaged food and chemical products, stressing that counterfeit goods pose serious health risks.
