The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has identified Eziukwu Market, also known as Cemetery Market, in Aba, Abia State, as a hub for the production and distribution of fake and substandard products.
This revelation follows a recent operation led by NAFDAC’s Director for the South-East Zone, Mr. Martins Iluyomade, on Tuesday.
During the operation, Iluyomade described the market as a center for the mass production and distribution of counterfeit goods, comparing the situation to “weapons of mass destruction.”
Despite previous crackdowns, including a significant operation in December 2023, illegal activities continue to thrive in the market.
Iluyomade remarked that it is baffling that individuals remain recalcitrant and determined to make money at the expense of the lives of their fellow citizens.
He further emphasized the agency’s frustration with the persistence of illegal activities, noting that the market’s leadership had signed an agreement with NAFDAC during the last operation to identify and expose those involved in the production and sale of fake goods.
“During the last operation, the leadership of the market signed an undertaking with NAFDAC to identify and expose those involved in the production and sale of fake goods,” he said.
However, Iluyomade made it clear that the market leaders now have “serious questions to answer” regarding the continuing illegal practices.
