NAFDAC, Nigeria’s food and drug regulatory agency, has shut down two illegal chemical and water companies in Nasarawa State’s Lafia and Obi Local Government Area.

The companies were operating in unsanitary conditions without proper registration, according to State Coordinator Matthew Adeoye. The firms were found to be producing counterfeit and tampered agrochemicals.

NAFDAC’s regulatory officers discovered the facilities during a routine surveillance operation, acting on intelligence reports. The agency took swift action to protect public health and safety by sealing the unapproved companies.

“Both facilities specialised in the manufacturing of falsified and adulterated agrochemicals, and an unapproved packaged table water.

“Both companies were found operating without any approval and this illegality is a violation of NAFDAC Act CAP. F.33 LFN 2004,” he Noted.

The state coordinator revealed that several individuals involved in the illegal operations have been arrested and transferred to the police for further questioning and investigation into their activities.

This marks a significant step towards holding them accountable for their actions and bringing them to justice.

He added, “The activities of these illegal manufacturers of falsified, adulterated agrochemicals have serious negative effects on farm produce.

“Such adulterated products from manufacturers like these when used, do not produce the desired result and cause economic losses, loss of livestock and resultant effects on humans.

“The packaged water facility was operating in an unhygienic condition and products were found produced with no due process being followed in the treatment procedures as outlined by NAFDAC requirements.

“And consumption of this kind of packaged water could lead to waterborne diseases of varying degrees.”

Adeoye declared that the sealed facilities will remain shut down until further notice, and the agency has seized their production equipment.

He urged the public to report any illegal activities related to unregistered and adulterated products to NAFDAC, promising swift action.

Additionally, he warned manufacturers to comply with NAFDAC regulations and register their products to avoid legal issues and potential business closure.