In a sweeping enforcement operation at the Trade Fair market in Lagos, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confiscated banned, expired, and unregistered products valued at over ₦1.5 billion.
Led by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement, the raid targeted the cosmetics section of the market and intercepted a truckload of counterfeit goods. The operation was prompted by numerous public complaints about unsafe consumer products circulating in Nigerian markets.
“We discovered many expired products still displayed for sale in warehouses. Some of the confiscated goods are banned items that entered illegally, bypassing required testing procedures,” Iluyomade stated. He emphasized that the agency would pursue legal action against warehouse owners found culpable.
NAFDAC’s inspection process includes visual checks for labeling and packaging compliance, followed by laboratory analysis to detect harmful or carcinogenic chemicals. “Some items may appear normal but contain toxic substances capable of causing long-term health complications,” Iluyomade warned.
The agency reiterated that food and drug regulation is not only a public health issue but a matter of national security. “A silent way to harm a population is through contaminated food or personal care products,” he added.
This crackdown highlights the growing concern over counterfeit and substandard goods in Nigeria’s consumer markets. NAFDAC has pledged to continue its nationwide campaign to protect public health and ensure that all products meet safety standards before distribution.
