The management of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex has vowed to prevent the facility from being used for counterfeit production after the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) uncovered alleged illegal alcoholic beverage operations valued at more than N2bn.
The agency said its Investigation and Enforcement Directorate raided more than 20 illegal stores at Zamfara Plaza, BBA Trade Fair Complex, along the Badagry Expressway in Ojo, Lagos, on Tuesday, October 13, following intelligence on suspected unlawful activities.
Two suspects were arrested during the operation, while products seized and evacuated from the premises were valued at over N2bn, according to NAFDAC.
The agency said its operatives discovered the alleged counterfeiting of popular alcoholic beverage brands, the revalidation of expired and unsafe drinks for resale, and the storage of banned imported products.
Reacting to the operation on Thursday, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board, Veronica Safiya Ndanusa, condemned the alleged activities and commended NAFDAC for its enforcement action.
Ndanusa said the production of fake products and the revalidation of expired drinks contradicted the complex’s commitment to legitimate trade and ethical business practices.
“As a body rooted in the principles of ethical business practices, transparency and genuine trade, we strongly condemn any activity that threatens public safety or brings the reputation of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board into disrepute,” she said.
“Our facility exists to provide a conducive environment for legitimate businesses to thrive, not to serve as a breeding ground for the production or distribution of counterfeit and substandard products.”
She disclosed that relevant authorities had begun investigations following the arrest of two people allegedly linked to the illegal revalidation of expired drinks and the production of counterfeit consumable products within the complex.
The board chief warned that individuals and businesses found culpable of activities that endanger public health or undermine legitimate manufacturing would face the full weight of the law.
She assured the public that the board would work with regulatory and law enforcement agencies to stop the complex from being used for illegal activities.
Ndanusa also urged traders and business operators to comply with established standards, warning that the pursuit of profit must not come at the expense of consumers’ health and safety.
The board reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of the Trade Fair Complex as a major commercial hub, supporting legitimate businesses and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards activities that undermine public confidence in locally manufactured products.
NAFDAC said the operation was part of its wider enforcement efforts to curb the circulation of counterfeit and potentially unsafe regulated products.
Discussion0