The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered and sealed a counterfeit rice factory in Abuja, describing the operation as a major threat to public health and consumer safety.
The factory, located at a shopping plaza opposite the World Trade Centre, was discovered to be re-bagging popular rice brands into fake packaging. NAFDAC operatives seized sealing machines, packaging materials and goods valued at more than ₦60 million during the enforcement exercise.
Confirming the operation in a post shared on Friday, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the Agency would not relent in its mandate to ensure only safe food and medicines are available in the Nigerian market.
“The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reaffirms the Agency’s commitment to ensuring Nigerians consume only safe food and medicines,” she said.
Prof. Adeyeye urged Nigerians to be vigilant when buying consumables, particularly staple foods, and to report suspicious products to the Agency. She added that all suspects arrested in connection with the counterfeit rice operation will face prosecution.
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The rice factory was not the only target of NAFDAC’s clampdown. In the same operation, the Agency arrested Mr. Ikechukwu Elijah, an unlicensed chemical producer in the Apo-Waru area of Abuja, for manufacturing and distributing hazardous and unregistered insecticides from a residential building. His younger brother, believed to be an accomplice, was also arrested.
Similarly, NAFDAC sealed MZEE Table Water, an illegal packaged water factory in Damangaza district, for operating under unhygienic conditions with a fake and expired licence. The facility was found lacking basic requirements such as a certified borehole and proper water treatment system.
Public health experts have often warned that counterfeit food and beverages not only undermine consumer trust but also increase the risk of food-borne diseases, poisoning and other long-term health complications.
