Aba Raid: Why NAFDAC Must Root Out The Merchants Of Poison -By Adekunle Adekoya

This week, I am again saddened at the lot of the Nigerian, as I have been for most of the times I have written this column. The Nigerian, irrespective of which ethnic group he or she comes from is a specie of humanity that I cannot trade for any other in the world. I am convinced, despite prevailing experience, that we, as a collective, are some of the finest creations of God on this earth.

I feel for the Nigerian a lot because his ordinary life, and his/her ability to pursue happiness, which is life and living, is severely curtailed by the capriciousness of the Nigerian power elite, which seems unable to make things work in ways that will make the pursuit of happiness a worthwhile venture.

I fully subscribe to the payout line, “Good people, great nation”, which came out during the branding project embarked upon by late Dr. Dora Akunyili as Information Minister during the Jonathan administration. I believe that we are good people and that our country has everything that is needed to become a great nation, as soon as we come to terms with the leadership proplem we have, which itself, I believe, flows from the followership since a people deserve the kind of leadership they get.

Despite the fact that we are good people, it is inescapable that some of us “will” not be good. In every twelve, they say, there is always a Judas. But as a nation, the remaining eleven have suffered hugely because of the misdeeds of that Judas. That is why the antics of a few of us have formed the prism through which the rest of the international community looks at the rest of us.

Earlier in the week, the National Agency for Foods, Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, was in the news, after it reportedly busted factories where the business was manufacturing fake products. A statement issued by the agency’s boss, Prof. Moji Adeyeye stated in part as follows:

“In a major operation, NAFDAC has dismantled a large-scale counterfeit beverage syndicate operating in Eziukwu Market, Aba, Abia State.

“Acting on intelligence, the agency collaborated with security forces to conduct a sting operation, uncovering illicit activities spanning various brands, including Seaman Schnapps, Hennessy, Four Cousins, Martell, Black Label, Campari, and more.

“Over 240 shops-turned-factories were raided, revealing filthy conditions, the use of unhygienic water, harmful chemicals, and cloned packaging materials.

“The counterfeiters engaged in date revalidation for expired products like Peak milk, ketchup, and Coca-Cola products, posing severe health risks to unsuspecting consumers.

“The shutdown of the entire market was enforced until stakeholders committed to preventing such activities.

“The operation resulted in the destruction of 1,500 cartons of fake products, valued at over N750 million, and the evacuation of 300 cartons to NAFDAC’s warehouse.”

The statement added that “Ten individuals were arrested and will face charges after a thorough investigation.”

The statement continued: “NAFDAC emphasizes the health hazards of consuming adulterated alcohol, urging vigilance during the festive season, and advising consumers to scrutinize the “4 Ps” – Place, Price, Packaging, and Product – before purchasing alcohol.”

The above is why I feel very sorry for the average Nigerian. See what the Judases among us are up to? It is bad enough that they are making fake versions of genuine brand products, amny of which are manufactured in the country. At least, Seaman’s Schnapps, Hennessy and others are made here. How will the Nigerian company called Grand Oak remain solvent when its products are being faked and sold at sub-par market prices? Same goes for Hennessy, a product from Diageo Plc, owners of Guinness, another Nigerian company that opened its first brewery in Nigeria more than 60 years ago.

What is worse, as made clear by the statement on the NAFDAC bust is that these judases were also into the business of altering the expiry dates on products, and re-introducing them into the market as still saleable. Then, some of my fellow compatriots will buy these expired beverages, use them, and start developing ailments that drain their resources to treat, and in some instances, even lead to losses of lives.

All because some of us are judases that opted to make a living by selling POISON to fellow human beings, carefully presenting it as honey. We don’t deserve this. After suffering the misrule of our leaders, must we do this to ourselves again? I recall that the missionary zeal with which late Akunyili pursued her mandate at NAFDAC was fired by the loss of a relation on whom was administered fake/expired chloroquine.

Akunyili has gone to rest now, but drugs fakers still exist, amassing billions from their merchandise of death. NAFDAC must continue in this direction. That was in Aba. They should go to other towns and cities where these nefarious businesses are taking place. The agency should also be reminded that foreigners may be part of this evil trade; all canoes must be paddled with vigour to arrest this development.