The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has intensified its crackdown on illicit trade, destroying counterfeit and sub-standard products valued at over N5.3 billion within a single week. The operation spans major markets and ports across Nigeria, targeting fake alcohol, repackaged goods, and unwholesome consumer items.

What Happened

NAFDAC officials, led by Deputy Director of Public Relations Christiana Obiazikwor, coordinated raids at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, where goods worth N2 billion were seized, including counterfeit alcoholic beverages and repackaged items. In Aba, Abia State, operatives shut down five shops at Old Court Road Market and uncovered a suspected illicit distillation facility at No. 25 Omenazu Street, allegedly producing spirits under unhygienic conditions. Separately, N2.6 billion worth of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, tomato paste, and biscuits were destroyed in Port Harcourt, having been intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service at Onne Port between 2025 and 2026. Two suspects were arrested during the operations, and additional materials valued at N500 million were recovered from the Aba facility.

  • N2 billion seized at Lagos Trade Fair Complex (Oct 13)
  • N700 million worth of fake drinks and packaging materials recovered in Aba
  • N500 million worth of production equipment and raw materials found at the Omenazu Street facility
  • N2.6 billion of assorted goods destroyed in Port Harcourt, intercepted at Onne Port
  • Two arrests made; investigations ongoing

Why This Matters

Public health expert Olusoji Aramide warned that counterfeit alcoholic beverages may expose consumers to harmful substances, while substandard medicines risk treatment failure due to incorrect or inadequate active ingredients. Fake packaging can also conceal expiry dates and origins, misleading buyers. The crackdown highlights the ongoing challenge of counterfeit goods in Nigeria and the importance of inter-agency collaboration between NAFDAC and the Nigeria Customs Service, which has formalized cooperation through signed memoranda of understanding.

Dr Martins Iluyomade, representing NAFDAC’s Director-General, emphasized that the destruction exercise is part of a broader commitment to rid communities of fake and unwholesome products, with more seizures expected from ongoing port clearances.

Key Takeaways

  • NAFDAC destroyed over N5.3 billion in counterfeit and sub-standard goods across three major operations in one week.
  • Key seizure points included Lagos, Aba, and Port Harcourt, targeting alcohol, pharmaceuticals, and packaged foods.
  • Two suspects were arrested, and a suspected illicit distillation facility was uncovered in Aba.
  • The Nigeria Customs Service and NAFDAC are working together through formal agreements to facilitate the destruction of seized items.
  • Public health risks include exposure to toxic substances in fake alcohol and ineffective or dangerous counterfeit medicines.

Conclusion

NAFDAC’s latest crackdown sends a strong message that illicit manufacturing and distribution of counterfeit goods will not be tolerated. The agency continues to urge Nigerians to remain vigilant, report suspicious products, and support regulatory efforts. As more seized items prepare for destruction, the partnership between NAFDAC and sister agencies remains critical to protecting public health and ensuring market integrity.