NAFDAC cracks down on fake cosmetics producer in Lagos State

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s (NAFDAC) Investigation & Enforcement Directorate recently uncovered the illegal activities of a fake cosmetics producer at the Balogun Trade Fair Gate, Trade Fair Complex, Lagos State.

Mr. Pius Effiong Eyoh, the owner of Pasco Global Limited, was apprehended for manufacturing, packaging, distributing, and selling a range of substandard and counterfeit cosmetic products. These included items like Skin Balance Perfect Knuckle Organic Peel Therapy and Golden Face Triple Action Concentrated Perfect Skin.

Eyoh was caught in the act of processing and packaging these cosmetic products with false labels bearing French inscriptions and a Cameroonian address.

NAFDAC’s intervention led to the sealing of the illegal manufacturing premises, Eyoh’s arrest, and the scheduling of his substandard products for destruction.

Meanwhile, last week NAFDAC conducted raids on popular supermarkets in Abuja, including Sahad Stores and H-Medix in Wuse 2 and Gwarinpa, uncovering counterfeit products on display.

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.

Mr. Embugushiki-Musa Godiya, Head of Investigation and Enforcement/Federal Taskforce, FCT, Abuja, expressed concern over the sale of substandard products, particularly counterfeit NIVEA cream which was being sold at higher prices than the approved products.

He emphasised the health risks posed by such counterfeit goods, including the potential for cancer, kidney damage, and skin rashes. NAFDAC reaffirms its commitment to rooting out counterfeit syndicates and safeguarding public health.