ASHENEWS reports that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has seized counterfeit goods worth N50 million across stores in Abuja.
Among these items, fake NIVEA products amounted to N45 million, NAFDAC said in a statement posted on its official X handle on Saturday.
The agency listed some of the stores raided by its enforcement team including Sahad Stores and H-Medix in Wuse 2 and Gwarinpa.
Others included markets in Garki, Wuse, Utako, Kugbo, Nyanya, and Mararaba, where counterfeit cosmetics and drugs were seized.
NAFDAC said that aside from the counterfeit NIVEA products, it also seized other fake cosmetics, Jik bleach, Harpic toilet cleaner, and Airwick room freshener.
”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 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 ₦45 million,” the post reads.
NAFDAC quoted its Head of Investigation and Enforcement/Federal Taskforce, FCT, Abuja, Mr Embugushiki-Musa Godiya as expressing 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.
NAFDAC further reaffirmed its commitment to rooting out counterfeit syndicates and safeguarding public health.
