NAFDAC Seizes 10,000 Cartons of Fake Products in Lagos Market Raid

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized over 10,000 cartons of unregistered tomato paste and various cosmetic products during a five-day enforcement operation at the Lagos Trade Fair Market. The raid, conducted by the agency’s Investigation and Enforcement team, is part of a nationwide effort to rid Nigerian markets of harmful and substandard goods.

Dr. Martins Iluyomade, the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, confirmed the seizure in a statement to journalists on Tuesday. The seized items, which were found in the market’s cosmetics section, included creams, soaps, body sprays, and toothpaste. Dr. Iluyomade expressed concern about the potential health risks to the public, stating that the products had not undergone any regulatory scrutiny.

In a strong message to the public, the director asserted, “I can say authoritatively that deaths from substandard medicines, cosmetics, and unsafe foods exceed the number of people killed by Boko Haram.” He reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerians only use products that have been certified as safe and effective.

The director also spoke about the agency’s enhanced strategies to combat the influx of fake products. He highlighted the recent inauguration of a multi-agency task force, which will strengthen surveillance efforts nationwide. Furthermore, Dr. Iluyomade noted that NAFDAC’s ongoing partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service is yielding positive results, with the two agencies working together to tighten border controls and prevent falsified items from entering the country.

Dr. Iluyomade concluded by urging manufacturers and distributors to use NAFDAC’s decentralized registration process to get their products verified, as the agency remains dedicated to its mission of safeguarding the health of all Nigerians.