The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) seized counterfeit products worth N50 million on display in various supermarkets in Abuja.

In a statement on Saturday, NAFDAC said operatives discovered the products during a raid of popular supermarkets in the metropolis, including Sahad Stores and H-Medix in Wuse 2 and Gwarinpa, respectively.

“The enforcement team also targeted markets in Garki, Wuse, Utako, Kugbo, Nyanya, and Mararaba, seizing counterfeit cosmetics and drugs.

“During the operation, counterfeit cosmetics were discovered and seized at Sahad Stores, H-Medix, and various markets, while fake drugs were confiscated at Utako market.

“Counterfeit NIVEA products, cosmetics, Jik bleach, Harpic toilet cleaner, and Airwick room freshener were all confiscated. The total value of the seized goods amounted to ₦50 million, with fake NIVEA products alone valued at ₦45 million,” the statement read.

The statement added that Embugushiki-Musa Godiya, the head of investigation and enforcement of the Federal Taskforce, FCT, Abuja, expressed concern over the sale of substandard products, particularly counterfeit NIVEA creams sold at higher prices than the approved products.

Stating the health risks posed by such counterfeit goods, including the potential for cancer, kidney damage, and skin rashes, Mr Godiya reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to rooting out counterfeit syndicates and safeguarding public health.