NAFDAC Seizes Fake and Expired Goods Worth Over N1.5 Billion in Lagos

In a sweeping enforcement operation that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s commercial hubs, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confiscated fake, banned, and expired goods estimated at more than ₦1.5 billion. The raid, carried out on Saturday at the bustling Trade Fair Market in Lagos, marks a significant escalation in the agency’s battle against the sale and distribution of dangerous consumer products.

The operation specifically targeted the cosmetics section of the market, a known hotspot for the trade of unregulated goods. Alongside the market raid, officials also intercepted a truck transporting counterfeit items regulated by NAFDAC. These products—ranging from expired skincare creams to banned chemical-laden cosmetics—pose serious risks to public health, according to the agency.

Leading the enforcement team was Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement. Addressing journalists after the raid, he explained that the operation is part of an ongoing national campaign to rid Nigerian markets of hazardous products that threaten both health and safety.

“We’ve been receiving a growing number of complaints from Nigerians who are unknowingly purchasing unsafe products,” Dr. Iluyomade said. “This action is part of our nationwide effort to stop such harmful goods from reaching consumers.”

The scale of the seizure was eye-opening. In several warehouses and market stalls, NAFDAC officers uncovered stacks of expired goods, some of which had visibly deteriorated but were still being sold to unsuspecting buyers. According to Dr. Iluyomade, many of the products had either been banned by Nigerian authorities or smuggled into the country without undergoing the mandatory safety and quality checks.

NAFDAC officials revealed that much of the contraband enters Nigeria through illegal channels, bypassing border controls and avoiding the rigorous testing that legitimate products must undergo. Others are expired stock that dishonest vendors continue to sell in order to recoup their investment. Some of the seized cosmetics reportedly contain harmful substances, including ingredients linked to cancer and other serious health conditions.

“Our inspectors begin by conducting a visual check to ensure products comply with labeling and packaging standards,” Iluyomade explained. “We then follow up with laboratory testing to identify any hazardous chemical components. Some products might look normal but are laced with substances that are extremely harmful when used over time.”

While some may argue that such raids are a threat to small businesses, Dr. Iluyomade was quick to dispel that notion. He made it clear that NAFDAC’s priority is not to cripple commerce but to ensure that it operates within the law and in a manner that protects the public.

“Our job is not to punish business owners who follow the rules,” he said. “We are here to guide them on compliance, but we will not tolerate those who endanger public health for profit.”

NAFDAC has since invited several warehouse operators and vendors for questioning regarding their involvement in the sale and storage of these substandard products. The agency has vowed to press charges against any individuals or organizations found to be knowingly distributing harmful goods.

Beyond public health, Dr. Iluyomade emphasized that the circulation of dangerous food and cosmetic products also presents a national security risk. “Contaminated products can quietly damage a population over time,” he said. “This is not just a regulatory issue—it’s a matter of national safety and wellbeing.”

He urged Nigerians to be cautious and proactive when purchasing consumer goods, advising people to check for proper labeling, NAFDAC registration numbers, and expiry dates.

Despite years of enforcement and awareness campaigns, Nigeria continues to grapple with a thriving black market for counterfeit and expired goods. Experts attribute this problem to several factors, including weak border control, lack of consumer awareness, and the lure of cheap products in a struggling economy.

“The Trade Fair Market is just one of many,” a senior NAFDAC official noted. “These products are also prevalent in smaller markets and street corners, making enforcement a constant challenge.”

Iluyomade stressed that the agency is ramping up efforts to tackle the issue across the country. Similar operations have been carried out recently in places like Kano, Onitsha, and Aba, where warehouses storing explosive chemicals and unregistered drugs have been sealed.

As the crackdown continues, NAFDAC is calling on Nigerians to play their part by being vigilant and reporting suspicious products. “We all have a role to play in safeguarding our communities,” said Dr. Iluyomade. “Before you buy a product—especially food, drugs, or cosmetics—take a moment to verify its authenticity. That simple act could save your life.”

He also warned that any manufacturer, distributor, or seller who attempts to bypass NAFDAC regulations will face severe legal consequences.

“All products—whether imported or locally made—must be registered and approved by NAFDAC before they are allowed to enter the Nigerian market,” he reaffirmed.

Saturday’s enforcement action is one more step in what is shaping up to be a long-term strategy by NAFDAC to clean up Nigerian markets and restore consumer confidence. With the increasing sophistication of counterfeit operations, the road ahead is far from easy. But for now, the agency’s message is clear: public health is non-negotiable.

As Nigeria faces rising health concerns linked to fake and expired products, many are watching to see how far NAFDAC is willing to go—and whether their efforts will lead to real, lasting change in the country’s consumer protection landscape.