Fake Drinks Proliferation Triggers Yuletide Fears
The growing rate of fake alcohol drinks production and the proliferation of adulterated imported alcoholic drinks across the country worry nutrition experts due to the effects on vital organs of the body, especially as the festive seasons approach
By Patrick Ogboru
Last week, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) uncovered a suspected counterfeit drinks production facility at Zamfara Plaza, BBA Trade Fair Complex, along the Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos State. In the process, NAFDAC arrested two suspects allegedly involved in the illegal operation.
Identified as Chibuzor Okafor and William John, the two major brains behind the illicit production of fake alcoholic drinks, were arrested during an enforcement operation in a two-storey building where equipment and materials allegedly used to repackage and produce counterfeit alcoholic and energy drinks were discovered.
NAFDAC disclosed that the raid followed credible intelligence and surveillance on suspected counterfeiters operating within the Trade Fair International Market.
Speaking during the operation, the Assistant Director of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate of NAFDAC, Mr Kunle Ojo, said the agency caught some of the suspects in the act and recovered drums, filters, packaging materials, a heating device and other equipment allegedly used in the illicit production process.
Ojo said, “Gentlemen of the press, as you can see today, when we came, we caught some red-handed people producing all kinds of alcoholic drinks.
“What we have discovered today is a lot, and it’s mind-boggling. We are here to protect the lives of many Nigerians.”
Ojo said the agency intensified its enforcement activities ahead of the festive season, when demand for alcoholic and other beverages typically rises.
He warned that the circulation of counterfeit drinks posed a serious public health concern, urging suspected manufacturers to abandon the illegal trade. “You are killing Nigerians in order to make money, which is not good,” Ojo said as he appealed to those involved in the faking business to stop the illicit activities.
Ojo further disclosed that the agency would investigate the source of the products, the raw materials used and the individuals allegedly financing or directing the operation.
“Where are they getting the products from? Where are they getting their raw materials? Who is employing them to do this kind of dangerous activity? Those people that we have arrested today will be dealt with administratively and definitely will face the law,” Ojo said.
During the operation, NAFDAC Deputy Director, Public Relations Mrs. Christiana Obiazikwor, said the agency routinely carried out surveillance, seizures, arrests and destruction of unregistered and counterfeit products, despite public criticism that it was not doing enough to tackle the menace.
“Most of the things they do, we don’t publicise them so that we don’t raise alarm.
“There’s no point going to social media to create fear. Report to NAFDAC, and we’ll do the needful.”
In a separate operation by NAFDAC in the South east region last week, the Agency said its operatives seized counterfeit packaging materials for alcoholic beverages and other products, worth more than N200 million in Aba, Abia state.
In an X post on Wednesday October 14, 2026, NAFDAC said the officials raided five shops at the Old Court Road market in Aba following credible intelligence on the production and supply of counterfeit packaging materials.
The agency said the seized items included fake labels, corks, packs and outer packaging materials bearing the names of several brands.
“The operation uncovered counterfeit labels, corks, packs and outer packaging materials bearing the names of several brands, including Jameson, Glenfiddich, Four Cousins, Lord’s Dry Gin, Imperial Blue, Goya Oil, Chelsea, Squadron and Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps. The packaging materials seized were estimated to be worth over N200 million,” the post reads.
NAFDAC said its investigation and enforcement operatives encountered threats and resistance from traders during the operation, making it difficult to evacuate the seized materials.
It added that the owners of the five shops were absent during the raid, while the premises were placed on hold to prevent interference with the items left inside.
According to the agency, it invited the market union chairman, who pledged to ensure the security of the sealed premises and assist in identifying the shop owner.
What worries many at the moment is how NAFDAC is able to fight this scourge considering its lean human resource capacity. It is said in some quarters that the agency’s manpower is already overstretched.
These alcoholic drinks fakers thrive in obtaining fake NAFDAC numbers which consumers seldom confirm their authenticity before consuming products. They also engage in expiry dates manipulation to sell expired products, and collaborating with barmen of many liqueur selling bars, clubs and hotels who help them push the harmful products to their unsuspecting customers.
Experts have also identified many terminal ailments associated with fake alcoholic drinks consumption. These include and not limited to kidney failure, liver infections, and high blood pressure cases. The major challenge remains how NAFDAC can arrest this ugly situation as the Christmas and New Year festivities approach.
