NAFDAC Cracks Down in Lagos, Seizes N1.5 Billion in Fake and Expired Products
In a major win for consumer safety, Nigeria’s food and drug watchdog, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has confiscated over N1.5 billion worth of fake, expired, and unregistered products in a single operation in Lagos.
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The raid, which took place at the bustling Trade Fair market, targeted the cosmetics section, but officials also intercepted a truck filled with counterfeit goods.
Dr. Martins Iluyomade, the NAFDAC director who led the operation, said the crackdown is part of a nationwide effort to protect Nigerians. He explained that many of the seized items were dangerous, having entered the country illegally without undergoing the required safety and quality tests. Inspectors also found a large number of products that had expired but were still being sold from warehouses.
The Dangers of Fake Products
NAFDAC is serious about this issue because the risks are more than just a waste of money. As Dr. Iluyomade stated, some products may look normal but contain harmful or cancer-causing chemicals. He went on to describe this illegal trade as a matter of “national security,” highlighting how contaminated food or skincare products can silently harm people.
What Happens Now?
The owners of the warehouses where the unsafe products were found have been called in for questioning. NAFDAC has made it clear that if they are found guilty, they will face legal consequences.
This operation highlights a tough challenge: the scale of the illegal trade is huge, and regulators have a difficult job policing Nigeria’s vast markets.
However, NAFDAC is sending a strong message. It is committed to continuing these enforcement operations to combat unsafe products. The agency’s message to consumers is simple: be vigilant about what you buy and always check that a product has been properly registered and tested to ensure your safety.
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