The Management Board of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFCMB) has declared an uncompromising, zero-tolerance policy against the manufacturing and distribution of fake and substandard goods within its premises, following a major enforcement operation that led to the arrest of two suspects involved in an illegal consumable revalidation and counterfeiting ring.
​The enforcement raid, conducted on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, by operatives of the Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) Directorate of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), uncovered a covert processing setup operating within the complex along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
​During the Tuesday operation, NAFDAC enforcement officers apprehended two suspects, identified as Chibuzor Okafor (45) and John William, for their alleged roles in counterfeiting popular alcoholic beverages and revalidating expired drinks.
​The agency’s raid exposed an unhygienic makeshift factory where expired consumables, including popular brand energy drinks, were systematically having their expiration dates altered and replaced with fresh, fraudulent labels.
In addition, operatives seized illicit blending tools, harmful chemicals, dirty recycled bottles, and cloned packaging materials used to mimic established wine and spirit brands. Confiscated inventory and materials from the bust are estimated to be worth over ₦2 billion.
​Speaking on the raid, NAFDAC officials disclosed that the suspects operated through backdoor channels to evade regulatory oversight and distributed the dangerous counterfeits directly to bar managers and night clubs across the metropolis.
​Reacting to the development through an official statement issued on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of LITFCMB, Barr. Veronica Ndanusa, strongly condemned the criminal misuse of the facility.
​Ndanusa reaffirmed that the management board stands firmly behind NAFDAC and law enforcement agencies to root out illicit syndicates and safeguard public safety.
​”As a body rooted in 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,” Ndanusa stated.
“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 added that full-scale investigations are underway alongside relevant regulatory authorities to identify all perpetrators and accomplices involved, warning that anyone found engaging in activities capable of endangering public health will face the full wrath of the law.
​NAFDAC has urged members of the public to exercise heightened vigilance when purchasing packaged drinks and consumables. The agency reiterated its call for citizens to report suspicious manufacturing, relabeling, or revalidation activities through its official toll-free complaint line.
