“We Will Continue from Where NAFDAC Stopped” – Gov Otti Vows Crackdown on Fake Products

Governor Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling the production and sale of counterfeit goods in Aba, vowing to build on the efforts of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Speaking during his January media chat at the Government House in Umuahia, Otti described the situation as an embarrassment to the state and urged those involved in the illicit trade to develop their own brands instead of faking established products.

The governor emphasized that his government would support legitimate manufacturers who follow due process while taking decisive action against those producing counterfeit goods. “We are going to come down very hard on manufacturers of fake products because they are giving us a bad name, and that is not good. Our people are industrious and making a lot of things in Aba,” he stated.

Otti directed government officials to ensure continuity in the crackdown initiated by NAFDAC and warned that those who refuse to comply would face strict enforcement measures. “We encourage them to make their products and call it their names instead of faking other people’s products, or we will raid and stop them in their tracks,” he warned.

He also urged aspiring manufacturers to obtain proper NAFDAC registration and take inspiration from countries like China and Japan, which have built strong reputations for quality production.

In a related development, Otti announced that N16.6 billion has been allocated in Abia State’s 2025 budget to upgrade schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and other healthcare training institutions. This investment aims to address the shortage of trained medical professionals and improve healthcare delivery across the state.