This announcement was made on Friday during a one-day awareness program held at Kado Fish Market in Abuja.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, emphasized the need to halt the importation and distribution of banned products in order to support local farmers and frozen food producers.
Mr. Kenneth Azikiwe, the Director overseeing the FCT Directorate, represented her at the event.
She reaffirmed NAFDAC’s dedication to eradicating the illegal production, distribution, and sale of unregistered packaged foods, water, and other regulated items.
The initiative is aimed at protecting public health, especially during the festive season.
She stated, “This awareness program is intended to promote proper storage and distribution practices in the market, as well-stored food products retain their quality prior to consumption.
“We are present at Kado Fish Market, the largest fish market in North-Central Nigeria, to ensure that frozen chicken, fish, and meat products are stored correctly and are safe for public consumption.”
She encouraged members of the market association to focus on purchasing locally produced and NAFDAC-registered frozen products to guarantee quality and safety for consumers.
Adeyeye cautioned that those who violate the Federal Government’s ban on the importation of frozen chicken, turkey, and catfish will face stringent enforcement actions.
The Chairman of the Frozen Food Sellers Association at Kado Fish Market, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed, expressed his support for the sensitization program and affirmed the association's commitment to adhering to NAFDAC's regulations.
The agency was assured by him that its members would adhere to the policies intended to improve the health of Nigerian citizens.
However, Mohammed urged NAFDAC to implement its policies with fairness and comprehension.
In a related matter, NAFDAC has conducted inspections of water production facilities in the Federal Capital Territory to confirm adherence to hygiene standards and good manufacturing practices among producers of sachet and table water.