Abia State Government has issued a stern warning to producers of fake drugs and beverages to desist from such unwholesome act as it tarnishes the State’s reputation.
The warning is coming on the heels of Governor Otti’s declaration that his administration will continue from where the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) stopped in ridding Aba markets of counterfeit products.
Recall that NAFDAC in a recent enforcement exercise in Aba, sealed the popular Cemetery Road Market, notorious for housing Nigeria’s largest counterfeit wine and beverage cartel.
The Market was shut down indefinitely after authorities raided 240 shops and confiscated fake goods worth over ₦5 billion.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, gave the warning, on Monday, while briefing Journalists on the outcome of this week’s Exco meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti..
Prince Kanu who condemned the act, urged manufacturers of fake drugs and beverages to focus on building authentic brands.
He stated that Government would collaborate with Security Agencies to enforce strict regulations against counterfeit products and ensure that perpetrators face the full wrath of the law.
“The State Government in its avowed responsibility to secure the lives of Abians and Abia residents has warned the producers of fake drugs and beverages to desist from such unwholesome acts that do not define who we are as a people.
“So the State Government is going to embark on very serious enforcement with the Security Agencies in tow to ensure that such acts are stopped forthwith.
Prince Kanu urged residents to support the crackdown to maintain the State’s image of hard work and industry.
“Of course you know our people are industrious and hard-working, but a few greedy ones amongst us are denting the image of the state with such acts”, he said.
