NAFDAC Seizes Over N1.5 Billion Worth of Banned, Expired Products in Lagos Market Raid

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confiscated banned, expired, and unregistered products valued at more than ₦1.5 billion during a major enforcement operation at Lagos’ Trade Fair market. The crackdown, which primarily targeted the cosmetics section, is part of a wider national campaign to eliminate dangerous consumer goods from Nigerian markets. Authorities also intercepted a truck loaded with counterfeit NAFDAC-regulated items.

Leading the operation, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, said the raid was driven by mounting public complaints about harmful and substandard products in circulation. “This exercise is part of our continuous efforts to safeguard public health by removing unsafe products—many of which are either expired, banned, or illegally smuggled into the country,” he stated.

Iluyomade revealed that large quantities of expired items were discovered both on display and hidden in warehouses. The estimated value of the confiscated goods exceeds ₦1.5 billion. Individuals linked to the storage facilities have been summoned for questioning and may face prosecution if found responsible. “These products are hazardous to human health, and anyone involved in their distribution or sale will be held accountable under the law,” he warned.

He further explained that NAFDAC begins enforcement with physical inspections for proper labeling and packaging, followed by laboratory tests to identify toxic or cancer-causing substances. “Some of these products may appear normal but contain dangerous chemicals that could cause severe long-term health issues,” Iluyomade noted.

Highlighting the broader impact, he emphasized that the sale of unwholesome food, drugs, and cosmetic products is not only a public health risk but also a threat to national security. “Contaminated consumer products are a silent weapon against the population, which is why our response must be swift and uncompromising,” he added.