NAFDAC’s latest counterfeit drinks raid: Why Nigerians must be careful what they drink

NAFDAC raids Zamfara plaza, seizes over ₦2bn fake drinks, arrests two

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized goods worth more than ₦2 billion in a raid yesterday on Zamfara Plaza in the BBA Trade Fair Complex, Lagos, according to NAFDAC.

Two suspects, Chibuzor Okafor and William John, were arrested. Operatives said they found suspects blending fake versions of popular drink brands, altering expiry dates and stockpiling banned imports. The items were found among drums, filters and packaging materials used to produce and package counterfeit goods.

The agency warned that adulterated drinks can cause serious harm, including organ damage and cancer.

Why Nigerians must be careful what they drink

The raid is not the first at the location. In April, NAFDAC recovered more than 1,800 cartons of counterfeit alcoholic drinks worth about ₦350 million at Zamfara Plaza and on Lagos Island, and warned that adulterated alcohol can cause poisoning, organ damage and death, Peoples Gazette reported. Officials found improvised mixing tanks, filtration setups, empty branded bottles and corks.

The problem is widespread. A 2024 survey cited by the Spirits and Wines Association of Nigeria suggests illicit trade makes up about 40 per cent of the spirits and wines market, or roughly two in five bottles, NGN Market reported.

Altered expiry dates add to the danger. NAFDAC’s director-general said in 2024 that raids followed reports of illegal revalidation of expired alcoholic beverages at the Trade Fair Complex, allAfrica reported. Drinks past their date can look normal, so buyers have little way to tell.

What consumers can do

NAFDAC urged Nigerians to stay vigilant and report suspicious products through its hotline. The agency has previously advised buying only NAFDAC-registered drinks from reputable, licensed retailers, bars and supermarkets, because even popular markets can hide counterfeit stock.