In a major victory against counterfeit and substandard goods in Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced the seizure of fake, expired, and unregistered products valued at over ₦1.5 billion during a large-scale enforcement operation in Lagos State.
The agency’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, revealed this on Monday during a press briefing at NAFDAC’s Lagos office, stating that the operation was part of ongoing nationwide efforts to rid Nigerian markets of dangerous products that pose serious health risks to the public.
According to Adeyeye, the seized items — which include fake drugs, counterfeit cosmetics, expired processed foods, and unregistered medical products — were recovered from multiple warehouses, retail shops, and distribution centers in densely populated parts of the state, including Alaba International Market, Trade Fair Complex, and parts of Lagos Island.
“This operation is one of the largest single seizures in recent years, and it reflects the seriousness of the health threats we are dealing with,” she said. “The value of the confiscated goods exceeds ₦1.5 billion, but the potential damage to public health is immeasurable.”
NAFDAC officials, accompanied by security operatives, stormed the locations following weeks of surveillance, intelligence gathering, and undercover operations. Several suspects believed to be behind the importation and distribution of the fake goods have been apprehended and are currently assisting investigators.
Among the most dangerous items recovered were:
- Expired antibiotics and antihypertensive medications,
- Falsely labeled herbal remedies,
- Substandard baby products and infant formula,
- Fake cosmetics containing toxic chemicals like mercury and hydroquinone,
- Counterfeit alcoholic beverages with altered packaging.
Professor Adeyeye issued a stern warning to all traders and importers engaging in such illicit practices, vowing that NAFDAC will intensify its clampdown efforts and prosecute offenders to the full extent of the law.
“Let this be a strong warning: we will not allow merchants of death to continue poisoning Nigerians. Our duty is to protect lives, and we will not relent until the chain of fake and substandard products is broken,” she added.
She also called on the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious products or vendors, urging Nigerians to always check for NAFDAC registration numbers before purchasing consumables or medications.
The recent seizure has sparked reactions across the country, with health experts praising the agency’s proactive approach and calling for stricter border controls, routine market inspections, and stiffer penalties for violators.
In a related development, the Lagos State Government has pledged to collaborate more closely with NAFDAC to ensure consumer protection across the state, especially in high-risk zones where counterfeit goods are frequently sold.
As investigations continue and court proceedings begin against the arrested suspects, NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to sanitizing Nigeria’s product space and ensuring that only safe, quality-assured goods reach the hands of the public.
This operation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing war against fake products — and the high price of negligence in public health enforcement.