Group protests at NAFDAC office in Delta, faults probe of church over miracle water

A group of protesters staged a protest in Asaba on Wednesday at the Delta state office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The protesters said they were at the NAFDAC office to tell the agency to stop investigating Christ Mercy Land Ministries over the alleged sale of miracle water and soap.

The protesters, who dressed in clergy outfits and carried placards at the NAFDAC office, said NAFDAC does not have the right to regulate spiritual products.

In a statement on Sunday, NAFDAC warned Nigerians against the products, noting that the faith-based organisation used its name to deceive an unsuspecting public.

The agency said the products were being advertised with healing and miracle claims.

NAFDAC also said officials of the church refused to cooperate, noting that despite repeated invitations, they failed to show up for investigation.

However, the Christ Mercy Land Ministries denied the allegations that it used the name of the NAFDAC to sell miracle water and soap.

The church said it has “never sold consumable items to the public” but “simply exercised the right to expression of religion through the use of spiritual items”.

The church also added that it is law-abiding and recognises the extant laws of the land and the NAFDAC Act.

A protester, who did not identify himself, said NAFDAC should respect the spiritual side of society and halt action on the matter.

“What affects one affects all. I don’t want a case where tomorrow I will be in church administering communion or using water or oil during programmes and we hear that NAFDAC has swooped on us. NAFDAC should respect the spiritual side of our society,” he said.

“The investigation looks like victimisation because I know there has not been any report that those making use of it have died,” said another protester.