The Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFCMB) has condemned the alleged production of counterfeit products within its facility, warning that activities capable of endangering public health will not be tolerated. The board’s Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Veronica Safiya Ndanusa, made this known in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday. She said the alleged activities contradicted the board’s commitment to legitimate trade, transparency and ethical business practices. Ndanusa added that relevant authorities had commenced investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify measures to prevent a recurrence.
The condemnation followed an enforcement operation by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) at Zamfara Plaza, within the BBA Trade Fair Complex along the Badagry Expressway in Ojo, Lagos. During the operation, NAFDAC reportedly uncovered more than 20 illegal stores allegedly used for producing counterfeit alcoholic beverages, revalidating expired drinks for resale and storing banned imported products. The agency said two suspects were arrested in connection with the alleged activities, while products seized during the operation were valued at more than ₦2 billion.
Ndanusa said the Trade Fair Complex was established to provide an environment where legitimate businesses could operate and grow, rather than serve as a centre for manufacturing or distributing counterfeit and substandard goods. She warned that individuals and businesses found responsible for activities that threaten public safety or undermine legitimate manufacturing would face the full weight of the law. The board maintained that protecting consumers’ health and preserving the reputation of the complex remained key priorities.
The board chief executive commended NAFDAC for its enforcement efforts and assured the public that the management would continue working with regulatory and law enforcement agencies to address illegal activities within the complex. She also urged traders and business operators to comply with established standards and ensure that the pursuit of profit did not come at the expense of consumer safety. Ndanusa reaffirmed the board’s commitment to supporting legitimate enterprises and maintaining the Trade Fair Complex as a major commercial centre.
The incident comes amid broader enforcement efforts by NAFDAC against counterfeit and potentially unsafe regulated products. The agency has continued operations targeting suspected illegal manufacturing, the sale of expired products and other activities that could expose consumers to health risks. The Trade Fair Complex board said it would maintain a zero-tolerance approach to activities that undermine public confidence in locally manufactured products and would cooperate with relevant authorities as investigations into the latest incident continue.
