Mathew Amaechi
In a move to combat the menace of fake and expired products, the Abia State Government, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Eziukwu Road International Market leadership have joined forces to eradicate the scourge.
At a recent meeting at the market, Abia State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Kingsley Nwokeocha, issued a stern warning to those involved in the production and sale of fake products, urging them to repent or face the consequences. This warning came on the heels of NAFDAC’s shutdown of three zones in the market notorious for producing and selling fake products.
Commissioner Nwokeocha emphasized that the state government will no longer tolerate the destructive activities of fake product manufacturers, which are undermining Governor Alex Otti’s efforts to rebrand Abia State. He pleaded with traders to abandon the fake product business, stressing that the government can no longer allow the harm caused by these products.
Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo, Chairman of Eziukwu Road International Market, echoed the commissioner’s sentiments, highlighting the market leadership’s commitment to transforming the market and eradicating the fake products menace. Udeigbo appealed to the state government to collaborate with NAFDAC and other relevant agencies to root out the problem.
The Zonal Director of NAFDAC in the South-East, Mr. Martins Iluyomade, reassured stakeholders that the agency is not anti-trading but is instead focused on protecting citizens from unscrupulous elements who prioritize profits over human life. Iluyomade emphasized that NAFDAC will continue to work with the market leadership and state government to ensure that the market is free from fake and expired products.
The collaborative effort to combat fake products in Abia State is a significant step toward protecting the health and well-being of citizens, while also promoting a safer and more prosperous business environment.