By: Bunmi Yekini
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sounded an alarm over the activities of a faith-based organization, Christ MercyLand Delivery Ministries, led by Senior Prophet Jeremiah Omoto. The ministry, located in Effurun, Delta State, has come under scrutiny for promoting and selling unregistered “miracle” products, including Miracle Water and Miracle Soap, which are being falsely presented as NAFDAC-approved.
In a statement released on Wednesday, NAFDAC revealed that it had received numerous petitions from concerned citizens regarding the ministry’s claims that the Miracle Water and Soap could cure ailments, including barrenness. Prophet Omoto, through social media platforms, had advertised these products, assuring women that they could carry twins if they used the Miracle Soap, while publicly stating that the products were NAFDAC registered.
Claims Under Investigation
The petitioners also provided NAFDAC with various other products from the ministry, such as:
– Miracle & Healing Water
– River Jordan Water
– Miracle Water from the Pool of Bethsaida
– Water of Life
– A New Beginning Mount Camel Miracle Water
– Father Smelled Perfume
Upon investigation, NAFDAC’s Delta State Coordinator visited the ministry and discreetly purchased the so-called Miracle Water for ₦3,000. However, during a subsequent visit, ministry officials, including the Head of Service (HOS) Mr. Ogunleye Fufeyin and the Chief Security Officer (CSO), denied producing or selling Miracle Water and Soap. While they admitted that the logo and address on the product labels belonged to the ministry, they disassociated themselves from the products.
“Only our Pool of Bethsaida Water, which is spiritual, is made available to the congregation,” the HOS stated, but refused further cooperation when confronted with purchase evidence.
NAFDAC Action and Non-Cooperation
On August 27, 2024, NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement team, alongside the Federal Task Force on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs, visited the ministry’s premises to collect samples and investigate the production facility. However, the ministry’s officials declined to cooperate and failed to provide relevant documents or access to the production site.
In an effort to push the investigation forward, NAFDAC issued an invitation for the ministry to report to their Asaba office for questioning on August 28. The invitation was not honored. Instead, the ministry submitted legal documents in Abuja, requesting an extension until September 3, 2024. Even on that date, the ministry delayed by sending more documents while asking for additional time.
Further investigation revealed that Christ MercyLand Delivery Ministries had entered into a contract with a water production company, Globod Table Water, located on the DSC Expressway, Delta State, without the knowledge or approval of NAFDAC. This violates regulatory procedures for commercial production. As a result, NAFDAC sealed the Globod Table Water factory for aiding in the unlawful production and sale of unregistered and falsified miracle products.
NAFDAC’s Stand and Public Warning
NAFDAC has firmly warned that Christ Mercy Land Ministries is evading regulatory scrutiny and that the products in question are not approved for public use. The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, stressed that the public should cease patronizing these products as they have not been scientifically verified or registered.
“None of these products being advertised and sold are registered with NAFDAC. We are a scientific organization guided by verifiable facts before registering any product,” she said.
She further warned faith-based organizations against illegal production and sale of regulated products without meeting the necessary regulatory requirements. “At this point, it is clear that Christ MercyLand Ministries is not ready to comply with NAFDAC’s investigation into the production and advertisement of suspected falsified and unwholesome products,” Prof. Adeyeye added.
Ongoing Investigation
NAFDAC has assured the public that the investigation will continue, and actions will be taken to ensure the safety of the Nigerian populace. Prof. Adeyeye reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to protecting public health: “We are resolved to continue safeguarding the health of Nigerians. Any organization involved in producing or distributing unregistered or harmful products will be held accountable.”
The agency has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products or practices to NAFDAC for prompt action.