The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confiscated unregistered food products valued at over ₦3.8 billion during a raid on a warehouse in the Apongbon Oke Arin Market, Lagos.
The operation, spearheaded by NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, was based on a tip-off regarding the sale of unregistered items at the location. Following the raid, the warehouse was sealed, and investigations are ongoing to ensure regulatory compliance.
Warehouse Under Investigation
In an official statement shared on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, NAFDAC confirmed the seizure of products worth ₦3,818,802,720 and announced that the warehouse management had been summoned for questioning.
The agency added, “Appropriate sanctions will follow after investigations. We remain committed to protecting public health and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.”
NAFDAC also advised Nigerians to remain vigilant during the festive season and to report any suspicious activities to their nearest NAFDAC office.
Previous Enforcement Actions
This raid is one of several enforcement activities conducted by NAFDAC in recent months to curb the circulation of counterfeit and unregistered products.
Nairametrics recently reported that NAFDAC shut down eight rice shops and a warehouse in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. This operation was extended to Wuse and Garki markets in Abuja, leading to the seizure of over 1,600 bags of counterfeit rice valued at approximately ₦5 billion.
According to Mr. Kenneth Azikiwe, Director of the FCT Directorate of NAFDAC, the agency is actively targeting individuals involved in counterfeiting food products. “This act of counterfeiting rice is illegal. Consumers believe they are buying quality products, but the quality is often substandard,” Azikiwe stated.
Protecting Public Health
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring that only safe, quality, and wholesome food products are available to Nigerians. She has specifically instructed enforcement actions against those counterfeiting popular brands, such as repackaging rice products under false labels.
In one operation, NAFDAC uncovered a facility where counterfeit rice brands like Bull 25kg, Stallion Rice 10kg, and Tomatoes Rice 25kg were being repackaged in a warehouse behind a residence. These activities often took place at night to avoid detection.
Additionally, NAFDAC destroyed unwholesome products worth approximately ₦11 billion in Ibadan as part of its broader effort to eliminate fake and substandard products from circulation.
The agency continues to collaborate with stakeholders to combat the distribution of counterfeit goods and safeguard public health. Prof. Adeyeye has emphasized the need for collective action to ensure the safety and quality of food products in Nigeria.