By NAN
The Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFCMB) has condemned the use of its facility for the production of counterfeit products and other activities capable of endangering public health.
The board also commended the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for its recent enforcement operation, which led to the arrest of two persons allegedly involved in the illegal revalidation of expired drinks and production of counterfeit consumables within the complex.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of LITFCMB, Mrs Veronica Ndanusa, on Friday in Abuja.
Ndanusa said the use of the board’s facility for illegal activities contradicted its longstanding commitment to promoting genuine trade and ethical business practices.
She said relevant authorities had commenced investigations to establish the facts surrounding the incident and identify measures to prevent a recurrence.
The executive director warned that individuals or businesses found culpable of engaging in activities that jeopardised public health or undermined the integrity of local manufacturing would face the full weight of the law.
“As a body rooted in the principles of ethical business practices, transparency and genuine trade, we strongly condemn any activity that threatens public safety or brings the reputation of the board into disrepute.
“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 said.
Ndanusa commended NAFDAC for its enforcement operation and assured members of the public that the board would continue to collaborate with relevant regulatory and law enforcement agencies to rid the complex of illegal activities.
She urged traders and business operators within the complex to uphold established standards, stressing that the pursuit of profit must not come at the expense of consumers’ health and safety.
Ndanusa reaffirmed the board’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the Trade Fair Complex as a leading commercial hub.
She added that the board would continue to support legitimate enterprises while maintaining zero tolerance for activities capable of undermining public confidence in locally manufactured products. (NAN)
