Churches Can’t Spot Fake Anointing Oil, Bishops Warn as NAFDAC Busts Illegal Goya Factory in Lagos
Senior Christian Clerics have declared that Churches lack the technical ability to identify fake or adulterated anointing oil, calling on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to intensify regulatory oversight and enforcement nationwide.
The Ecumenical Synods of Bishops, Archbishops, Apostles and Senior Clergy made the call following the discovery of an illegal Goya oil production facility in Lagos by NAFDAC officials.
Goya oil is widely used in churches for prayers, healing and spiritual protection, in addition to its culinary and cosmetic uses.
Speaking with Global Mirror News, the International Secretary of the body, Osazee William, commended NAFDAC for uncovering the operation, describing the move as timely and commendable.
He explained that many churches use Goya oil during prayer sessions and that once prayers are offered, it is regarded as anointing oil.
William stressed that safeguarding the public from harmful products is the responsibility of regulatory Agencies, not religious institutions. “Churches cannot begin to test oil brought by worshippers. It is the duty of Agencies like NAFDAC to ensure that only safe and approved products are in circulation,” he said.
NAFDAC had earlier warned Nigerians against the use of Goya oil sold in plastic (PET) bottles, declaring such products fake and unsafe. The warning was issued during a media briefing at the Agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate in Lagos.
Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr Martins Iluyomade, said only Goya oil imported in original containers by authorised dealers is approved by NAFDAC.
He disclosed that the agency uncovered a large-scale illegal factory at Oke-Arin Market in Idumota, Lagos, where burnt palm oil was mixed with colouring agents and repackaged as Goya oil for unsuspecting consumers.
Recovered items included palm oil, colouring substances, stoves and empty bottles. Iluyomade warned that many Nigerians were unknowingly exposed to the hazardous product and urged religious organisations and the general public to stop the sale and use of PET-bottled Goya oil.
He added that offenders would face prosecution and called on citizens to report suspected counterfeiting activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.
The Agency also confirmed the arrest of a suspect, Moses Nelson, in connection with the distribution of adulterated and counterfeit alcoholic drinks in Lagos.
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to clamp down on counterfeiters and protect Nigerians from substandard and falsified products circulating in the market.
