NAFDAC Uncovers Fake Alcoholic Drinks Factory In Lagos

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) recently raided a factory in Lagos State where fake alcoholic drinks are being manufactured and distributed for public consumption.

NAFDAC announced on Thursday, May 8, that one Madu Abuchi Simon was apprehended for counterfeiting various well-known alcoholic brands, such as Hennessy, William Lawson, Baileys, Martell, St. Remy, and Jameson.

Naijaonpoint reports that the location search uncovered expired Amarula cream liquor, empty branded bottles and cartons, labels, stoves, buckets, cotton wool, and a purple chemical believed to be used for cleaning and reusing bottles.

Simon allegedly tried to flee during the operation but was captured.

The agency reported that over 100 cartons of assorted adulterated alcoholic beverages, valued at more than ₦114 million, were confiscated, and the establishment has been closed pending further investigation.

Consequently, it has advised the public to purchase alcoholic products solely from reputable vendors and encouraged individuals to report any suspicious activities to the nearest office.

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs has initiated a series of investigative hearings aimed at uncovering alleged breaches of the Federal Character principle by several ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

This action stems from a motion tabled in March 2025 by Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West, which the Senate subsequently adopted.

The motion, titled “Urgent need to address systemic abuse and ineffective implementation of the Federal Character Principle,” highlighted persistent cases of non-compliance within numerous federal bodies.

In its resolution, the Senate identified various government entities suspected of violating Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Among the institutions under scrutiny are the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its affiliates, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), National Library of Nigeria (NLN), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), and the Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA).

These agencies allegedly show a “flagrant disregard” for constitutional provisions intended to guarantee equitable representation and balance in governance.

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh of Rivers East, confirmed in a statement that the panel has been tasked with examining irregularities in recruitment processes and infrastructure distribution across Nigeria. He stated the investigation outcomes would be submitted to the full Senate within three months.

The hearings are set to begin on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Equal Opportunities Hearing Room 211 in the Senate Building of the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

All implicated MDAs and institutions have received formal invitations detailing the schedule and documents required for their appearance.