The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, known as NAFDAC, has seized products that are banned, expired, and unregistered, totaling more than N1.5 billion during a comprehensive enforcement operation at the Trade Fair market in Lagos.
This raid, which concentrated on the cosmetics section of the market, is part of a larger national initiative aimed at eliminating unsafe consumer products from Nigerian markets. Additionally, a truck carrying counterfeit goods regulated by NAFDAC was intercepted during this operation.
Dr. Martins Iluyomade, who is NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement and led the operation, stated that the action was taken in response to numerous public complaints regarding the distribution of harmful and substandard products.
“This operation is part of an ongoing national effort to safeguard Nigerians from dangerous products. Many of the items seized were either expired, banned, or had entered the country illegally without the necessary quality and safety checks,” he explained.
He mentioned that large quantities of expired products were discovered stored in warehouses and being openly sold. Initial evaluations estimate the value of the confiscated goods to be over N1.5 billion.
Iluyomade cautioned that individuals associated with the warehouses have been summoned for questioning and will face legal action if found responsible.
“These products pose significant risks to human health. Anyone found guilty of importing, distributing, or selling such unsafe products will face severe legal consequences,” he warned.
He also pointed out that the agency performs an initial physical inspection to ensure compliance with labeling and packaging regulations before conducting laboratory tests to identify toxic or carcinogenic substances.
“Some of these products may appear completely normal but are actually filled with harmful chemicals that can lead to long-term health issues,” he added.
The enforcement chief emphasized that unsafe food, drugs, and cosmetic products pose a serious public health threat.