NAFDAC operatives
In a bold move to safeguard public health, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) confiscated counterfeit, expired, and unregistered products valued at over N1.5 billion in Lagos on Saturday.
The operation, executed by NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement team, targeted the cosmetics section of the Trade Fair market, a known hub for illicit trade.
Among the seized items was a truckload of fake NAFDAC-regulated products, intercepted during the raid, highlighting the agency’s commitment to curbing the circulation of harmful goods.
Leading the operation, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement, emphasized the agency’s mission to eliminate unsafe products from Nigerian markets.
Speaking to journalists, he explained that the raid was part of a nationwide strategy to address public complaints about dangerous goods.
“We are responding to the outcry of Nigerians who deserve safe products.
“These confiscated items, including banned and expired goods, pose serious risks to consumers,” Iluyomade stated, underscoring the scale of the problem with the seized goods’ estimated value exceeding N1.5 billion.
The operation revealed alarming practices, such as traders displaying expired products in warehouses and smuggling banned items that evade mandatory safety checks.
Iluyomade noted that NAFDAC employs a rigorous process to ensure product safety, combining visual inspections with laboratory testing.
“Some products may look harmless but contain toxic or carcinogenic substances.
“We cannot allow traders to bypass regulations and endanger lives,” he warned, adding that warehouse owners linked to the seized items have been summoned for questioning and could face legal action if found culpable.
NAFDAC’s efforts reflect a broader view of food and drug regulation as a critical component of national security.
Iluyomade highlighted the dangers of contaminated food and cosmetics, describing them as silent threats to public health. “Unregulated products can cause widespread harm without anyone noticing until it’s too late,” he said, urging greater national focus on the issue.
The agency remains steadfast in its resolve to protect Nigerians while fostering a safe business environment, balancing consumer safety with support for legitimate trade.
In a call to action, Iluyomade urged the public to reject practices that compromise health and safety, emphasizing that NAFDAC’s mission is not to hinder businesses but to ensure compliance with safety standards.
“We are here to guide businesses while protecting consumers. Our fight against fake and harmful products will not stop,” he assured. With ongoing investigations and plans for further raids, NAFDAC is sending a clear message: the safety of Nigerians is non-negotiable.
