The Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFCMB) has pledged to strengthen efforts against illegal commercial activities within its facility, following a National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) operation that uncovered more than 20 stores allegedly linked to counterfeit alcoholic beverages.
The board warned that the use of the complex for producing counterfeit goods, revalidating expired drinks and distributing potentially unsafe products would not be tolerated, stressing that such activities undermine public health and the reputation of legitimate businesses operating within the commercial hub.
The enforcement operation took place at Zamfara Plaza, BBA Trade Fair Complex, along the Badagry Expressway in Ojo, Lagos State. NAFDAC said its Investigation and Enforcement Directorate conducted the raid on Tuesday, October 13, following intelligence reports about suspected illegal activities at the location.
During the operation, two suspects were arrested, while products seized and evacuated from the premises were valued at more than N2bn, according to the agency.
NAFDAC said its operatives discovered alleged activities involving the counterfeiting of popular alcoholic beverage brands, the revalidation of expired and unsafe drinks for resale, and the storage of banned imported products.
The operation formed part of the agency’s broader enforcement drive to curb the circulation of counterfeit and potentially hazardous regulated products in the country.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Thursday, the board’s Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Veronica Safiya Ndanusa, condemned the alleged illegal activities, describing them as incompatible with the complex’s commitment to ethical business practices and legitimate trade.
She disclosed that relevant authorities had commenced investigations following the arrest of two persons allegedly connected to the revalidation of expired drinks and the production of counterfeit consumable products within the facility.
Ndanusa warned that traders and business operators found culpable of activities that threaten public health or undermine legitimate manufacturing would face the full consequences of the law.
“As a body rooted in the principles of ethical business practices, transparency and genuine trade, we strongly condemn any activity that threatens public safety or brings the reputation of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board into disrepute.
“Our facility exists to provide a conducive environment for legitimate businesses to thrive, not to serve as a breeding ground for the production or distribution of counterfeit and substandard products,” she said.
The board also commended NAFDAC for the enforcement operation, assuring the public of its readiness to collaborate with relevant regulatory and law enforcement agencies to prevent the complex from being exploited for illegal activities.
Ndanusa urged traders and business operators within the facility to comply with established regulations and maintain acceptable standards in their commercial dealings. She emphasised that the pursuit of profit must not compromise consumers’ health and safety.
The development has renewed attention on the need for stronger oversight of commercial facilities to prevent the production, storage and distribution of fake or substandard goods, particularly products intended for human consumption.
The board reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the integrity of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex as a major commercial centre, pledging continued support for legitimate enterprises and a zero-tolerance approach to activities capable of eroding public confidence in locally manufactured products.
It said cooperation among facility managers, regulatory agencies and law enforcement authorities would remain critical to ensuring that the complex serves its intended purpose as a hub for lawful trade and business development.