NAFDAC Raids Warehouse in Jos Over Product Expiry Date Alteration
In a significant crackdown on counterfeit and expired products, officials from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) raided a warehouse located in the Apata community of Jos, Plateau State. The operation, which took place between Friday and Saturday, targeted individuals suspected of altering expiry dates on products to deceive consumers.
This raid is part of NAFDAC’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and quality of products available in the market, particularly during the festive season when consumer demand increases. The Director of NAFDAC for the North Central Zone, Kenneth Azikiwe, led the operation and emphasized the seriousness of the issue.
“We’re here today to address a concerning issue where some unscrupulous individuals are altering the dates on expired products to deceive consumers. They’re sold in small quantities to avoid suspicion. However, a consumer recently reported an issue, and our investigation led us to this facility,” Azikiwe stated.
Products Found to Be Tampered With
The products discovered at the warehouse included wines and hot drinks. According to Azikiwe, these items were cleaned with chemicals to remove the original expiry and manufacturing dates before being relabeled with new ones. This practice poses a serious risk to public health, as consumers may unknowingly purchase products that have exceeded their shelf life.
Two suspects, Yusuf Hassan and Emma Nwobi, were arrested for allegedly altering the dates on expired products. More suspects are still being sought by the agency. Azikiwe explained that the two arrested individuals played different roles in the operation: Yusuf was responsible for applying the altered dates, while Emma, the facility owner, provided the labels.
“We’ve encountered similar cases before. Our team regularly checks markets, distributors, supermarkets, and sales outlets to ensure product safety,” Azikiwe said. He also highlighted the increased vigilance required during the festive period, as directed by NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye.
Public Awareness and Reporting
Azikiwe urged the public to be vigilant when purchasing products, especially regulated ones. He advised consumers to check the manufacturing and expiry dates directly on the label rather than relying on stickers or other markings.
Dr. Obida Musa, the State Coordinator of NAFDAC in Plateau State, condemned the actions of those involved in the fraud. “It’s truly unfortunate to witness such reckless behaviour from these criminals. It’s appalling and should be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians,” he said.
Musa also encouraged the public to remain cautious when buying products and to report any suspicious items to NAFDAC. He emphasized the importance of community involvement in ensuring the safety of the products available in the market.
Suspect Pleads for Leniency
One of the arrested suspects, Yusuf Hassan, pleaded for leniency, claiming he was unaware that the expiry date had been altered. He explained that he was only a supplier and did not intentionally try to deceive anyone.
“I don’t usually sell Pure Heaven products, but customers kept asking for it. I told them I didn’t have it, and they kept pestering me. I mentioned this to Emma Nwobi, a supplier, and he said he had some in his store,” Hassan said.
“He gave me the product, and I didn’t know the expiry date had been altered. The original date was 2020, but it was changed to 2027. I didn’t realise it had expired,” he added. Hassan claimed he buys from Mr. Emma Nwobi and sells to people around him, but does not operate a shop.
“I’m pleading for leniency, as I’ve never done this before,” he concluded.
Nationwide Operations Against Counterfeit Products
Our correspondent reports that NAFDAC is currently leading nationwide operations to rid the country of unregistered, expired, falsified, or banned products, which continue to pose health risks to citizens.
Recent enforcement activities in three open drug markets — Idumota, Aba, and Onitsha — resulted in the evacuation of such products worth more than one trillion naira. These efforts highlight NAFDAC’s commitment to protecting public health and ensuring the integrity of the market.