The Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFCMB) has condemned suspected counterfeit drinks production and other unlawful commercial activities within the complex following a major enforcement operation by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The board expressed concern that some operators were allegedly using sections of the commercial facility to manufacture fake beverages, alter expiry dates and distribute products that could endanger consumers.
In a statement reported on October 16, 2026, the board’s Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Veronica Safiya Ndanusa, said such activities contradicted the facility’s purpose of promoting legitimate businesses and responsible commercial practices.
She assured traders and members of the public that the board would cooperate with regulatory agencies to prevent the complex from becoming a location for illegal manufacturing and distribution.
NAFDAC Uncovers Suspected Counterfeit Drinks Operation in Lagos
The management’s response followed an enforcement exercise conducted by NAFDAC on October 13 at Zamfara Plaza, within the BBA section of the Trade Fair Complex along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway in Ojo.
According to the food and drug regulatory agency, its Investigation and Enforcement Directorate uncovered more than 20 stores allegedly involved in illegal beverage-related activities.
NAFDAC said the suspected operations included producing counterfeit versions of popular alcoholic drinks, changing the expiry dates on beverages and storing imported products prohibited from sale.
Two people were arrested during the exercise.
The agency estimated the value of products recovered and evacuated from the premises at more than ₦2 billion.
Officials said the operation followed intelligence about suspected activities inside makeshift shops at the commercial complex.
The allegations remain under investigation, and the arrests should not be taken as proof that the suspects have committed the offences.
Trade Fair Board Warns Against Activities Endangering Consumers
Reacting to the discovery, Ndanusa said the allegations raised serious concerns about public safety and the reputation of businesses operating legitimately within the facility.
She maintained that the Trade Fair Complex was established to support commercial activities, not to provide cover for the production or distribution of unsafe goods.
The board warned that any individual or business found responsible for unlawful activities affecting consumer safety could face legal consequences under the relevant regulations.
Ndanusa also disclosed that investigations were underway to establish how the alleged operations were carried out and identify measures that could prevent similar incidents.
She said the management would continue working with appropriate authorities to strengthen compliance and discourage illegal production activities.
NAFDAC Receives Commendation for Enforcement Operations
The board praised NAFDAC for its recent operations targeting suspected producers and distributors of counterfeit and substandard goods.
Ndanusa said cooperation between facility managers, regulators and law enforcement agencies was necessary to safeguard public health.
She pledged continued support for enforcement actions aimed at preventing the circulation of unsafe consumable products.
The board also appealed to traders to follow applicable manufacturing, storage and distribution requirements.
According to Ndanusa, commercial success should not come at the expense of public safety or consumer confidence.
Fake Drinks and Expired Products Raise Public Health Concerns
The suspected operation has drawn attention to the risks associated with counterfeit beverages and products whose expiry dates have been illegally altered.
NAFDAC officials reported finding drinks and packaging materials allegedly connected to efforts to make expired or adulterated products appear suitable for sale.
Such practices can mislead buyers about a product’s origin, contents, storage history and safety.
Counterfeit alcoholic drinks may also contain unapproved ingredients or be produced under unhygienic conditions, creating potentially serious health risks.
NAFDAC has advised consumers to remain cautious when buying regulated products and to report suspicious manufacturing or sales activities.
Members of the public can report suspected violations through the agency’s complaints line, 0800-1-NAFDAC (0800-1-623322).
Previous NAFDAC Raids Highlight Continuing Enforcement Challenges
The October 2026 discovery is not the first reported case involving suspected illegal beverage production at the Lagos Trade Fair Complex.
In March 2024, NAFDAC uncovered unauthorised alcohol production facilities at Niger 4 Plaza within the same wider commercial complex.
During that earlier operation, officials recovered mixing equipment, packaging materials and thousands of cartons containing empty or filled beverage bottles.
The agency estimated the value of products seized at more than ₦250 million.
The earlier discovery provides important context for the latest operation, although there is no confirmed evidence that the same individuals or businesses were involved in both incidents.
Management Promises Stronger Cooperation With Regulators
Ndanusa reaffirmed the board’s determination to protect the Trade Fair Complex as a major commercial destination for legitimate traders and manufacturers.
She said management would continue engaging relevant government agencies to address activities that could damage the facility’s reputation or undermine confidence in products sold there.
The board also urged business owners to maintain appropriate standards and avoid practices that could expose consumers to unsafe products.
As investigations continue, attention is expected to focus on the suspected production facilities, the origin of the seized goods and the extent of the alleged distribution network.
No final findings of criminal liability against the two arrested suspects had been established in the reports reviewed for this article.
