The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sounded the alarm on Eziukwu Market, popularly known as Cemetery Market, in Aba, Abia State, branding it a hub for the production and distribution of counterfeit and substandard goods.
This revelation came during a high-profile raid led by the agency’s South-East Zonal Director, Mr. Martins Iluyomade, on Tuesday. Describing the market as a breeding ground for counterfeit products, Iluyomade likened the activities within the market to “weapons of mass destruction,” underscoring the grave public health risks involved.
The Cemetery Market has long been on NAFDAC’s radar, with previous operations targeting its notorious illegal trade. A major crackdown in December 2023 appeared to have made little impact, as illicit activities persist unabated. Iluyomade expressed dismay over the defiance of market operators who continue to endanger public health for profit.
“It is baffling that despite repeated warnings and enforcement actions, individuals remain resolute in their greed, prioritizing personal gain over the well-being of their fellow citizens,” he said.
During the December 2023 operation, market leaders signed an agreement with NAFDAC to expose and curb the activities of counterfeiters. Iluyomade has now vowed to revisit that agreement, warning that the agency will hold the market leadership accountable for failing to act.
Read also: Sad as Kano couple die in early morning fire incident
The raid uncovered a staggering volume of expired and adulterated products, many of which were being revalidated with falsified expiration dates. Among the seized items were fake wines, whiskey, yogurt, carbonated drinks, chips, dry gin, and other beverages, often manufactured under deplorable conditions or stored in unhygienic environments.
Iluyomade expressed particular concern about the rampant practice of rebranding expired goods, urging consumers to remain vigilant and scrutinize the products they purchase to protect their health.
“NAFDAC remains committed to identifying and prosecuting those behind these nefarious activities. This is part of our broader mission to safeguard public health and restore consumer confidence in the marketplace,” he stated.
The agency’s renewed crackdown sends a strong message to counterfeiters and their enablers: the era of unchecked illegal trade in Aba’s Cemetery Market may finally be nearing its end.
