The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized counterfeit products worth of N50 million following a recent raids on supermarkets and markets in Abuja.
Head of Investigation and Enforcement/Federal Taskforce, FCT, Abuja, Mr. Embugushiki-Musa Godiya, in a statement issued Sunday expressed concern over the sale of substandard products, particularly counterfeit NIVEA cream which was being sold at higher prices than the approved products.
He emphasised the health risks posed by such counterfeit goods, including the potential for cancer, kidney damage, and skin rashes.
Godiya noted: “This week, NAFDAC conducted raids on popular supermarkets in Abuja, including Sahad Stores and H-Medix in Wuse 2 and Gwarinpa, uncovering counterfeit products on display.
“The enforcement team also targeted markets in Garki, Wuse, Utako, Kugbo, Nyanya and Mararaba, seizing counterfeit cosmetics and drugs.
”During the operation, counterfeit cosmetics were discovered and seized at Sahad Stores, H-Medix and various markets, while fake drugs were confiscated at the Utako market.
“Counterfeit NIVEA products, cosmetics, Jik bleach, Harpic toilet cleaner, and Airwick room freshener were all confiscated. The total value of the seized goods amounted to #50 million, with fake NIVEA products alone valued at A45 million.”
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to rooting out counterfeit syndicates and safeguarding public health.