The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed an illegal chemical and water packaging factory operating in the Damaganza district, Apo Waru, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Head of NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Unit in Abuja, Embugushiki Godiya, confirmed the operation on Thursday, explaining that the agency acted on credible intelligence about illegal activities in the area.
Godiya revealed that the water factory was producing saturated water clandestinely at night to evade detection. During the raid, NAFDAC seized cylinders, sealing machines, large containers of mixed chemicals and finished products ready for distribution.
“This is an illegal factory, not certified by NAFDAC. Even the registration number on the product is fake. We are going to investigate further and apply the necessary sanctions,” Godiya stated.
NAFDAC officials also discovered 88 bags of packaged water and evidence of unauthorised production at the site.
In a related operation within the same area, NAFDAC uncovered an illicit chemical laboratory allegedly operated by one Ikechukwu Elijah, who initially denied ownership of the materials, but evidence recovered from his home, including his ID card, confirmed his involvement.
“According to reports, Elijah produces products ranging from disinfectants and air fresheners to banned substances without regulatory approval,” Godiya disclosed.
“We want to know where he was sourcing these chemicals and who he was supplying to. Our major concern is to mop these unapproved products out of the market,” Godiya added.
Godiya assured that NAFDAC would prosecute the suspects and investigate their supply chains to dismantle illegal distribution networks. He also warned landlords against leasing properties for unauthorised manufacturing, noting that such actions could attract sanctions.
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