Nigeria’s food and drug regulatory agency has uncovered an alleged counterfeit alcohol operation at the Trade Fair Market in Lagos, seizing beverages valued at more than ₦2 billion and arresting two suspects.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said the discovery followed an intelligence-led operation targeting the production, storage and distribution of potentially dangerous alcoholic drinks.
According to the agency, its Investigation and Enforcement Directorate carried out the raid after receiving credible information about suspicious activities within the market complex.
During the operation, enforcement officers discovered more than 20 unauthorised stores operating from makeshift parking spaces inside the premises.
The locations were allegedly being used to produce imitation versions of popular alcoholic beverage brands and store products intended for distribution.
NAFDAC also reported finding expired and unsafe drinks that were being relabelled or revalidated to make them appear suitable for sale.
Investigators further uncovered stockpiles of prohibited imported beverages, raising additional concerns about the range of products circulating through the illegal operation.
The agency disclosed the findings in a statement published on its official X account on Tuesday, confirming that two individuals had been taken into custody.
Officers subsequently evacuated the confiscated beverages from the market as part of ongoing enforcement activities.
The estimated value of the seized products exceeds ₦2 billion, making the discovery a substantial interception of suspected counterfeit and unsafe alcoholic beverages.
NAFDAC warned that the circulation of falsified drinks poses serious risks to consumers, particularly when products contain unknown ingredients or have passed their expiration dates.
The agency stressed that altering product labels or extending expiration dates without proper authorisation could expose unsuspecting buyers to potentially harmful substances.
Beyond the immediate seizure, the operation highlights the difficulties regulators face in identifying illegal manufacturing and storage activities concealed within busy commercial environments.
Makeshift facilities operating alongside legitimate businesses can complicate enforcement efforts, particularly where counterfeit products are packaged to resemble established brands.
NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to protecting public health through surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement against individuals involved in the production or sale of unsafe consumer products.
The regulator also appealed to traders, consumers and other members of the public to assist in identifying suspicious activities.
It encouraged anyone with information about illegal beverage production, product revalidation or the sale of suspected counterfeit goods to contact the agency.
Reports can be submitted through NAFDAC’s official complaints line, 0800-1-NAFDAC (0800-1-623322).
The agency maintained that public cooperation remains important in preventing dangerous products from reaching consumers and strengthening efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s food and beverage supply chain.
