NAFDAC Seizes and Destroys Counterfeit Goods Valued at Over N5.3bn in One Week

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized and destroyed counterfeit, substandard, and unwholesome products valued at over N5.3 billion within a single week.

The extensive enforcement operations spanned multiple strategic locations across the country, targeting illicit manufacturing dens, illegal warehouses, and major commercial distribution hubs in Lagos, Abia, and Rivers States.

Detailing the week-long crackdown during an exclusive interview, NAFDAC’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Christiana Obiazikwor, revealed that the agency’s intelligence and enforcement units launched coordinated raids following credible intelligence reports.

On October 13, operatives uncovered over 20 illegal stores situated at Zamfara Plaza within the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex. The syndicate specialized in counterfeiting popular alcoholic beverage brands, revalidating expired drinks, and stockpiling prohibited imported items. Two suspects were arrested during the operation, and counterfeit products valued at N2 billion were evacuated.

In Abia State, NAFDAC targeted illegal outfits across five shops at Old Court Road Market in Aba, seizing suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages and packaging materials valued at over N700 million. Officials also uncovered an underground production facility at No. 25 Omenazu Street, Aba, on October 15.

There, massive quantities of fake labels, bottle corks, and unhygienically brewed spirits and herbal liqueurs were recovered, including products branded under popular names like Sir Edwards Scotch Whisky and Scottish Hills Whisky.

The materials and facility in that operation were valued at over N500 million. Capping off the week on Friday, NAFDAC destroyed unwholesome goods valued at N2.6 billion at a designated site in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The destruction exercise in Port Harcourt was spearheaded by the Chairman of the Federal Task Force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, who represented NAFDAC Director-General Professor Mojisola Adeyeye. Iluyomade noted that the destroyed items, which included pharmaceuticals, chemicals, tomato paste, and biscuits, were intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service at Onne Port between 2025 and 2026.

He praised the robust institutional partnership and active memoranda of understanding between NAFDAC and Customs, urging continued synergy to protect Nigerian consumers.

Public health experts have reiterated the severe dangers posed by the illicit trade, warning that adulterated alcoholic beverages expose consumers to harmful substances, while counterfeit or substandard medicines might contain incorrect or contaminated ingredients that put patients at risk.

NAFDAC has renewed its call for public vigilance, urging citizens to promptly report suspicious manufacturing, repackaging, and sales activities to regulatory authorities.