NAFDAC Arrests Fake Cosmetics Producer In Lagos

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has made a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to rid the Nigerian market of counterfeit products.

CityNews Nigeria reports that on Monday, the agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate apprehended Mr. Pius Effiong Eyoh, the owner of Pasco Global Limited, for operating a fake cosmetics manufacturing outfit within the Balogun Trade Fair Gate at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos State.

According to NAFDAC, which disclosed this development through its X handle, Eyoh was engaged in the illegal production, packaging, distribution, and sale of various substandard and counterfeit cosmetic products.

Some of the seized items include skin balance creams, perfect knuckle correctors, organic peel therapies, and golden face triple action concentrated perfect skin treatments.

“NAFDAC’s intervention led to the sealing of the illegal manufacturing premises, Eyoh’s arrest, and the scheduling of his substandard products for destruction,” the agency stated,

The counterfeit cosmetics were notably deceptive. They featured false labels with French inscriptions and a Cameroonian address, indicating an attempt to mislead consumers about their origin and quality standards.

This operation in Lagos is part of a larger crackdown by NAFDAC on counterfeit products across Nigeria.

Last Thursday, the agency’s enforcement team conducted raids on popular supermarkets in Abuja, including Sahad Stores and H-Medix located in Wuse 2 and Gwarinpa.

The raids extended to markets in Garki, Wuse, Utako, Kugbo, Nyanya, and Mararaba.

During these coordinated operations, a variety of counterfeit cosmetics and drugs were seized.

Notably, counterfeit Nivea products, Jik bleach, Harpic toilet cleaner, and Airwick room freshener were among the items confiscated.

The total value of the seized goods amounted to ₦50 million, with Fake Nivea products alone valued at ₦45 million, highlighting the large scale of this illegal trade.

“Counterfeit cosmetics were discovered and seized at Sahad Stores, H-Medix, and various markets while fake drugs were confiscated at Utako market,” NAFDAC reported, emphasizing the widespread nature of this problem.