Illegal Goya Factory: Churches Can’t Detect Fake Anointing Oil — Bishops Tell NAFDAC

Religious leaders under the Ecumenical Synods of Bishops, Archbishops, Apostles and Senior Clergy have said churches lack the capacity to identify fake or adulterated anointing oil, calling on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to strengthen its regulatory efforts.

The clerics spoke following the recent discovery of an illegal Goya oil production facility in Lagos by NAFDAC officials.

Goya oil is widely used in churches as anointing oil for prayers, healing and spiritual protection. Beyond religious use, it is also consumed as a premium cooking oil and applied as a natural skin moisturiser.

Clergy Commend NAFDAC’s Action

Speaking in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, the International Secretary of the organisation, Osazee William, praised NAFDAC for uncovering the illegal factory, describing the operation as timely and commendable.

“God bless NAFDAC officials for such a wonderful discovery. This shows that NAFDAC is rising to the occasion,” he said.

William explained that many churches use Goya oil during prayers, noting that once prayers are said over it, the oil is regarded as anointing oil.

However, he stressed that churches are not equipped to verify the authenticity or safety of products brought by worshippers.

“It is not possible for churches to be checking whether oil brought into the church is fake. As you are aware, God can even use water to anoint a person, not only oil.

“The responsibility lies with regulatory agencies. Just as NAFDAC has done now, it is their duty to fish out those producing adulterated products,” he added.

NAFDAC Warns Nigerians

NAFDAC had on Friday warned Nigerians against using Goya oil sold in plastic (PET) bottles, describing such products as fake and unsafe for consumption.

The warning was issued during a media briefing at the agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate office in Lagos.

The Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr Martins Iluyomade, stated that Goya oil sold in PET bottles is not licensed by NAFDAC.

“Goya oil sold in plastic bottles is fake. The only approved product is imported in original bottles by authorised dealers,” he said.

Illegal Factory Uncovered in Lagos

Iluyomade disclosed that the agency uncovered a large-scale illegal factory at Oke-Arin Market in Idumota, Lagos, where counterfeit Goya oil was being produced.

According to him, burnt palm oil was mixed with colouring agents and repackaged as Goya oil for unsuspecting consumers.

“We discovered a factory producing fake Goya oil. Palm oil, colouring agents, stoves and empty bottles were recovered at the site,” he said.

He warned that many Nigerians were unknowingly using the harmful product, particularly those packaged in plastic bottles, and urged religious organisations to stop the sale or use of PET-bottled Goya oil during gatherings.

Arrests and Prosecution

Iluyomade said offenders would be prosecuted and appealed to the public to report suspected counterfeiting activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.

He also disclosed that a suspect, Moses Nelson, was arrested in connection with the distribution of adulterated and counterfeit alcoholic drinks.

According to him, empty exotic alcohol bottles, sachets and PET-bottled alcohol were recovered from the suspect’s residence in Badagry, Lagos State.

The NAFDAC director warned counterfeiters to desist, assuring Nigerians that the agency would continue to pursue those endangering public health in the name of quick profit.