The management of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFCMB) has condemned the use of its facility for the production of counterfeit products.

The board also commended the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for its enforcement operation against illegal activities within the complex.

The condemnation followed an enforcement operation by NAFDAC at Zamfara Plaza, BBA Trade Fair Complex, along the Badagry Expressway in Ojo, Lagos State, where the agency said it uncovered more than 20 illegal stores allegedly involved in counterfeit alcoholic beverage operations.

According to reports, the agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate carried out the raid on Tuesday, October 13, following intelligence on suspected illegal activities.

NAFDAC said two suspects were arrested, while products seized and evacuated from the premises were valued at more than N2 billion.

The agency said its operatives discovered activities involving the alleged counterfeiting of popular alcoholic beverage brands, revalidation of expired and unsafe drinks for resale, and storage of banned imported products.

The operation formed part of its enforcement efforts to curb the circulation of counterfeit and potentially unsafe regulated products.

The board’s Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Veronica Safiya Ndanusa, in a statement on Thursday, said the production of fake products and the revalidation of expired drinks were contrary to the complex’s commitment to promoting legitimate trade and ethical business practices.

Ndanusa disclosed that relevant authorities had commenced investigations following the arrest of two persons allegedly connected to the illegal revalidation of expired drinks and the production of counterfeit consumables within the facility.

She warned that individuals and businesses found culpable of activities that jeopardise public health and undermine legitimate 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 Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management 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.

Ndanusa commended NAFDAC for the enforcement operation, assuring the public that the board would work with relevant regulatory and law enforcement agencies to prevent the complex from being used for illegal activities.

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

The board reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of the Trade Fair Complex as a major commercial hub, pledging continued support for legitimate businesses and a zero-tolerance approach to activities that undermine public confidence in locally manufactured products.