THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) said it recovered fake products worth N50 million during a raid on some stores in the Abuja area of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
NAFDAC conducted the raid in areas including Garki, Wuse, Utako, Kugbo, Nyanya, and Mararaba.
The agency disclosed this via a statement on its official X handle on Saturday, April 20, 2024.
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Fake Nivea products comprised a huge part of the goods seized, valued at N45 million by NAFDAC.
“During the operation, counterfeit cosmetics were discovered and seized at Sahad Stores, H-Medix, and various markets, while fake drugs were confiscated at Utako market.
“Counterfeit NIVEA products, cosmetics, Jik bleach, Harpic toilet cleaner, and Airwick room freshener were all confiscated. The total value of the seized goods amounted to N50 million, with fake NIVEA products alone valued at N45 million,” the statement read.
According to the statement, NAFDAC Head of Investigation and Enforcement/Federal Task Force in Abuja Embugushiki-Musa Godiya stated that the fake goods, especially NIVEA products, were sold at higher prices than approved products and expressed concern over the development.
“He emphasised the health risks posed by such counterfeit goods, including the potential for cancer, kidney damage, and skin rashes. NAFDAC reaffirms its commitment to rooting out counterfeit syndicates and safeguarding public health,” the statement read.
The production and sale of fake products have raised concerns for many Nigerians, some of whom have blamed the recurring problem on economic realities in the country.
In March, NAFDAC uncovered illegal factories producing and distributing various brands of alcoholic beverages at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos State.
Ijeoma Opara is a journalist with The ICIR. Reach her via [email protected] or @ije_le on Twitter.