The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified efforts to protect public health, arresting Mr. Ikechukwu Elijah, an unlicensed chemical producer, in the Apo-Waru area of Abuja for manufacturing and distributing hazardous, counterfeit, and unregistered chemicals. The suspect, who operated an illegal factory in a residential building, was apprehended alongside his younger brother after NAFDAC operatives uncovered counterfeit insecticides, sealing machines, and other equipment at the premises.
In the same operation, NAFDAC sealed MZEE Table Water, an illegal packaged water factory in the Damangaza district, for operating under unhygienic conditions with a fake and expired license. The facility lacked fundamental requirements, including a certified borehole and water treatment system, highlighting the persistent challenges of unregulated food and beverage production in the city.
Furthermore, authorities shut down a counterfeit rice operation at a shopping plaza opposite the World Trade Centre, Abuja, seizing re-bagged popular brands, packaging materials, and sealing machines worth over ₦60 million.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reiterated the Agency’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerians by ensuring that only safe and properly regulated food, water, and chemicals reach the public. She urged citizens to remain vigilant, avoid unregulated products, and report suspicious activities to authorities, warning that all violators would face prosecution.
While these operations demonstrate NAFDAC’s proactive enforcement, they also expose broader systemic challenges: unauthorized production in residential areas, poor public awareness of health risks, and gaps in regulatory compliance. Experts note that these illegal activities not only endanger public health but also threaten legitimate businesses and the integrity of the nation’s food and chemical markets.
By shutting down these operations, NAFDAC sends a clear message that the protection of consumers is non-negotiable, promoting confidence in regulated products and reducing risks of poisoning, disease, and economic losses. Continued vigilance, education, and collaboration between agencies and communities remain essential to fully eliminate illegal operations and ensure public safety.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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