The Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFCMB) has condemned the use of its facility to produce counterfeit products and other activities that could endanger public health.

This is contained in a statement by Veronica Ndanusa, the executive director and chief executive officer of LITFCMB, on Friday in Abuja.

Ms Ndanusa said using the board’s facility for illegal activities contradicted its longstanding commitment to promoting genuine trade and ethical business practices.

She said relevant authorities had commenced investigations to establish the facts surrounding the incident and identify measures to prevent a recurrence.

The executive director warned that individuals or businesses found culpable for engaging in activities that jeopardised public health or undermined the integrity of local manufacturing would face the full weight 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 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.

She also commended the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for its recent enforcement operations across the country.

According to her, one of the operations led to the arrest of two persons allegedly involved in the illegal revalidation of expired drinks and production of counterfeit consumables within the complex.

Ms Ndanusa assured members of the public that the board would continue to collaborate with relevant regulatory and law enforcement agencies to rid the complex of illegal activities.

She added that the board would continue to support legitimate enterprises while maintaining zero tolerance for activities that undermine public confidence in locally manufactured products.

Ms Ndanusa urged traders and business operators within the complex to uphold established standards, stressing that the pursuit of profit must not come at the expense of consumers’ health and safety.

Ms Ndanusa reaffirmed the board’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the Trade Fair Complex as a leading commercial hub.

(NAN)