The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has taken decisive action against the production of fake and substandard alcohol by dismantling an illegal factory in Badagry, Lagos State.
According to a statement released on Sunday in Lagos by NAFDAC Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, the agency’s enforcement team, with assistance from the Nigerian Army 15 Field Engineering Regiment in Badagry, raided the factory.
Mr. Chinedu Okafor, suspected to be an illegal drinks manufacturer, operated the factory from his residence at No. O24, MTN Road, Badagry. Akintola stated that Okafor’s suspicious activities led to his arrest by the Nigerian Army and subsequent handover to NAFDAC officers at the Ports Inspection Directorate, Seme Border.
“After inspection, officers confiscated all equipment and materials used in the production of illicit drinks, effectively shutting down the illegal factory,” Akintola said.
Investigations revealed Okafor’s long-term involvement in criminal activities, which compromised regulated alcohol drinks in the area. NAFDAC emphasized the importance of public vigilance and urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities to protect public health.
“The suspect will be prosecuted,” Akintola stated, warning about the dangers of consuming adulterated alcohol, which can lead to kidney and liver failure or even death.
He encouraged Nigerians to consider the “4 Ps” (Place, Price, Packaging, Product) before purchasing any alcoholic product and highlighted statistics from the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer concerning alcohol-related health issues in Nigeria.
NAFDAC pledged to continue reducing the presence of counterfeit products nationwide to ensure the consumption of only safe and healthy products.
The public was urged to report any suspicious activity related to the production of adulterated products to the nearest NAFDAC office.
