The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has once again shut down the Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State, following a large-scale raid on factories producing counterfeit food and beverages.
In a statement on Tuesday, NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, described the operation dubbed “Operation Clean Up Aba” as the most decisive action ever taken against the infamous market.
During the raid, officials uncovered and confiscated fake and substandard products worth over ₦5 billion.
“This is a major step toward safeguarding public health and eliminating the circulation of fake products in Nigeria,” Adeyeye stated.
According to NAFDAC, more than 240 makeshift factories were discovered producing counterfeit versions of well-known brands such as Hennessy, Seaman Schnapps, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Peak Milk, and Hollandia Yoghurt.
These illegal manufacturers reportedly used contaminated water, harmful chemicals, and recycled bottles in highly unsanitary conditions.
“Criminals in this market use unclean water, saccharin, coloring agents, and unsafe chemicals. In the case of alcoholic beverages, they replace fruits or grapes with cheaper sugars and starches,” Adeyeye explained.
NAFDAC officials destroyed over 1,500 cartons of fake products on-site and uncovered three warehouses stockpiling expired Hollandia Yoghurt, which was allegedly set to be revalidated and resold.
Adeyeye praised the Abia State Government for its cooperation, particularly Governor Alex Otti, the Mayor of Aba South, and the interim market management committee.
She also urged the public to report suspicious products to NAFDAC offices.
“The support of Governor Alex Otti and the local authorities was crucial to the success of this operation. We remain committed to protecting the health of Nigerians and eradicating fake products from the market,” she said.
The Cemetery Market has long been notorious for producing counterfeit alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and food products, making it a high-priority target for NAFDAC enforcement efforts.
