Trade Fair Complex Vows Crackdown on Fake Drinks After NAFDAC Raid

The management of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex has vowed to end the production and sale of counterfeit goods within its premises following a raid by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The operation led to the arrest of two suspects linked to the illegal production of fake drinks and the repackaging of expired beverages.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the complex, Veronica Ndanusa, condemned activities that threaten public health and damage the facility’s reputation.

“As a body rooted in ethical business practices, transparency and genuine trade, we strongly condemn any activity that threatens public safety or brings the reputation of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board into disrepute,” she said.

Ndanusa stressed that the complex was created to support legitimate businesses, not illegal production.

“Our facility exists to provide a conducive environment for legitimate businesses to thrive, not to serve as a breeding ground for production or distribution of counterfeit and substandard products,” she said.

She commended NAFDAC for the enforcement operation and promised that the board would work with regulatory and law enforcement agencies to prevent a recurrence.

The board also warned traders and business operators against putting profit above consumers’ health and safety, saying offenders would face the law.

NAFDAC's operation at Zamfara Plaza, within the BBA Trade Fair Complex along the Badagry Expressway in Ojo, Lagos, uncovered more than 20 illegal stores allegedly involved in counterfeiting alcoholic drinks, revalidating expired beverages and storing prohibited imported products.

The seized products were valued at more than 2 billion naira.

The raid is part of wider efforts to stop counterfeit products from reaching consumers.

NAFDAC has warned that drinks sold in genuine-looking bottles may contain unsafe substances or be of unknown quality, posing serious health risks.