The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has once again shut down the notorious Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State. This marks the second closure in two years, according to NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, who made the announcement in a statement on Tuesday.
Describing the latest raid as “the most decisive action in the market’s history,” Adeyeye revealed that the agency uncovered and confiscated counterfeit and substandard food and beverages worth over ₦5 billion during its latest operation, codenamed Operation Clean Up Aba.
“This is a major step toward protecting public health and curbing the circulation of fake products in Nigeria,” she stated.
During the operation, NAFDAC discovered over 240 makeshift factories operating under unsanitary conditions, producing counterfeit versions of popular brands. These illegal factories used harmful chemicals, contaminated water, and recycled bottles to manufacture fake products, including Hennessy, Seaman Schnapps, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Peak Milk, and Hollandia Yoghurt.
“These criminal elements rely on unhygienic water sources, saccharin, artificial coloring agents, and dangerous chemicals unfit for human consumption. In adulterating alcoholic beverages, they substitute cheaper sugars and starches for fruits or grapes,” Adeyeye explained.
Over 1,500 cartons of counterfeit products were destroyed on-site, with the total value of seized and destroyed goods estimated at ₦5 billion. Additionally, the operation led to the discovery of three warehouses stockpiling expired Hollandia Yoghurt for illegal revalidation on January 22.
Adeyeye commended the Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Otti, for supporting the raid and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, reporting suspicious products to the nearest NAFDAC office.
“The unwavering support of Governor Alex Otti, the Mayor of Aba South, and the interim market management committee was crucial to the success of Operation Clean Up Aba,” she noted.
“We are committed to safeguarding public health and eliminating fake and substandard products from Nigerian markets,” Adeyeye added.
Cemetery Market has long been notorious as a hub for the production of counterfeit alcoholic beverages, carbonated drinks, and food products.
