NAFDAC has shut down a registered water factory in Lafia, Nasarawa State, for illegally producing five unregistered water brands and arrested one suspect
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down a registered water factory in Lafia, Nasarawa State, after it was discovered illegally producing five different unregistered water products.
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Deputy Director and Head of the NAFDAC Lafia office, Anga Emmanuel, disclosed this information to journalists on Friday during a press briefing.
According to Mr. Emmanuel, the factory, which was originally licensed to produce Mainima Table Water, was found to be manufacturing other unregistered products during a routine inspection.
The Deputy Director further stated that one Mr. Christian Chukuma was arrested during the inspection.
He detailed that the illegally produced brands included Bilal Table Water, Nkonjun Table Water, Anumzi Table Water, and Agbeni Table Water, none of which originated from Lafia.
“All the other products he was found to be producing are not from Lafia; one is even in Kaduna State,” he stated.
Mr. Emmanuel also noted that the factory’s license had expired and that it failed to meet basic manufacturing compliance standards.
He clarified that Bilal and Agbeni were registered in Doma Local Government Area, Nkonjun in Akwanga LGA, and Anumzi in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State.
He condemned the act as fraudulent and dangerous, issuing a strong warning to others involved in similar illegal practices to cease their operations immediately or face severe legal consequences.
Mr. Emmanuel emphasized NAFDAC’s commitment to intensifying its surveillance activities to ensure that only safe and regulated products reach consumers.
“The factory has been shut down and the culprit will face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to others,” he affirmed.
The deputy director also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or unregistered products in their localities for prompt action by the agency.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chukuma confessed to producing the unregistered water brands. Speaking to journalists, he attributed his actions to economic hardship and pleaded for leniency.
He claimed that the actual owner of the facility was unaware of the illegal operations, as he had only rented the space.
