The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down an illegal chemical and water packaging factory located in the Damangaza district of Apo Waru, within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The enforcement operation was carried out following intelligence reports about unlawful activities occurring on the premises.
Mr. Embugushiki Godiya, Head of NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement unit in Abuja, disclosed that the water factory was covertly producing saturated water at night to evade detection by the authorities. Upon inspection, NAFDAC officials found 88 bags of packaged water and traces indicating unauthorized production.
The factory was not certified by NAFDAC, and the registration numbers displayed on the products were counterfeit.
During the same operation, an illegal chemical laboratory run by an individual named Ikechukwu Elijah was uncovered in the area. Elijah was reported to manufacture various products, including disinfectants, air fresheners, and banned substances, without regulatory approval.
Though initially denying ownership, evidence including his identification card was found at his residence, linking him conclusively to the illicit operations.
NAFDAC seized various items during the raid, including gas cylinders, sealing machines, large containers of chemical mixtures, and finished products ready for distribution. Elijah and one of his workers were arrested and are currently in custody.
Mr. Godiya stated that beyond prosecution, the agency intends to investigate the supply chains involved to identify sources of the chemicals and their distribution networks.
A critical focus is the removal of these illegal products from the Nigerian market to protect consumer health.
Furthermore, NAFDAC issued a stern warning to landlords, emphasizing that renting properties for illegal manufacturing constitutes aiding and abetting criminal activity, a punishable offense under Nigerian law. Landlords found complicit in such activities will face swift legal actions.
This enforcement signals NAFDAC’s commitment to ensuring compliance with product safety regulations and safeguarding public health across Nigeria.
