By Kolawole Omotola Olaide
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered an alleged large-scale counterfeit alcoholic beverage operation at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, seizing products estimated to be worth more than ₦2 billion.
The enforcement operation, reportedly carried out on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, followed intelligence reports received by the agency concerning suspected illegal activities within the commercial complex in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State.
According to reports, NAFDAC officials discovered more than 20 illegal stores allegedly used for the production, storage and distribution of counterfeit and potentially unsafe beverages.
The operation reportedly took place at Zamfara Plaza, within the BBA section of the Trade Fair Complex, along the Lagos–Badagry Expressway.
Suspected Counterfeit Production Uncovered
During the raid, investigators reportedly discovered alcoholic beverages bearing the names of popular brands, alongside packaging materials, chemicals, replacement bottle corks and equipment suspected of being used to repackage drinks.
The agency also reportedly uncovered expired energy drinks, wines and whisky allegedly being prepared for resale to unsuspecting consumers.
Investigators suspect that some operators removed expiry-date labels from expired beverages and repackaged the products for circulation in the market.
Reports further indicated that some expired drinks were allegedly obtained from bars and nightclubs before being prepared for resale.
NAFDAC has continued to warn against the production and distribution of counterfeit, expired and unregistered products because of the potential dangers they pose to public health.
Two Suspects Arrested
Two suspects were reportedly arrested during the enforcement operation, while the seized beverages and other materials were removed from the premises for further investigation.
The estimated value of the confiscated products exceeded ₦2 billion, highlighting the reported scale of the suspected illegal business.
The identities of the suspects and the final outcome of the investigation were not established in the reports reviewed.
Public Health Risks Raise Concern
The discovery has raised fresh concerns about the availability of counterfeit and expired alcoholic beverages in Nigeria’s markets.
Health risks associated with adulterated or improperly handled drinks may include exposure to harmful substances, contamination and other potentially serious complications.
Consumers who purchase counterfeit products may be unable to verify their ingredients, production conditions or safety.
NAFDAC has urged members of the public to exercise caution when buying alcoholic beverages and other regulated products. Consumers are advised to inspect packaging, expiry dates and product seals, and to avoid drinks whose labels appear altered or whose authenticity cannot be established.
The agency has also encouraged Nigerians to report suspected cases of counterfeit production and the sale of unsafe products to the appropriate authorities.
Trade Fair Management Condemns Alleged Illegal Activities
The Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board reportedly condemned the alleged counterfeit beverage operation, stressing that the facility was established to support legitimate commercial activities.
The board’s Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Veronica Ndanusa, reportedly stated that the complex should not be used as a base for manufacturing or distributing counterfeit and substandard goods.
The management also indicated its willingness to cooperate with NAFDAC and other relevant authorities to investigate the incident and prevent similar activities in the future.
Investigation Continues
The seizure marks another enforcement effort aimed at tackling the circulation of suspected counterfeit and unsafe products in Nigeria.
Further investigations are expected to establish the origin of the seized beverages, the extent of their distribution and the individuals or businesses allegedly connected to the operation.
Although two suspects were reportedly arrested, the available reports did not establish whether formal charges had been filed or whether the investigation had resulted in a prosecution.
NAFDAC’s operation serves as a reminder of the importance of regulatory oversight, consumer awareness and cooperation between authorities and legitimate business operators in protecting public health.
