NAFDAC Seizes Banned, Unregistered Products at Lagos Trade Fair

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized banned, expired, and unregistered products worth more than N1.5 billion during a major enforcement operation at the Lagos Trade Fair market.

The raid, which targeted the cosmetics section of the bustling market, was led by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC.

Officials uncovered multiple warehouses stocked with unregistered cosmetics, food items, and other products regulated by the agency. Many items lacked proper labeling, including manufacturing and expiration dates, posing serious health risks to consumers.

NAFDAC operatives evacuated over a trailer load of the illegal products. A second trailer, loaded with contraband cosmetics, was also intercepted. According to the agency, the driver abandoned the vehicle upon sighting enforcement agents, but the trailer was secured and taken into custody.

This enforcement action is part of NAFDAC’s intensified nationwide campaign to rid markets of unsafe and substandard consumer goods. The agency emphasized that protecting public health remains its top priority and urged consumers to be vigilant, purchase only properly registered products, and report suspicious goods to authorities.

“This is one of the largest seizures we’ve made in recent months,” said Dr. Iluyomade. “We are committed to ensuring that only safe and approved products reach the Nigerian public.”

NAFDAC reiterated its warning to importers, distributors, and retailers to comply with regulatory requirements or face the full weight of the law.