NAFDAC enforcement against counterfeit goods in Nigeria

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has conducted extensive operations to combat the distribution of banned and counterfeit products in Nigeria.

Initial enforcement efforts focused on the seizure of banned agrochemicals valued at over N800m across several states, including Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo. These operations addressed the misuse of pesticides, such as pyrethroids and dimethoate, which were found in beans at levels exceeding safe limits. In the North-West Zone, authorities seized thousands of cartons of pesticides containing banned substances like paraquat and chlorpyrifos.

Subsequent actions expanded to address a broader public health crisis involving the counterfeiting of food, beverages, and medicines. NAFDAC uncovered syndicates refilling wine bottles with adulterated mixtures in Lagos and seized fake packaging materials for various alcohol brands in Aba valued at over N200 million. Other interventions included shutting down illegal herbal-product facilities and destroying goods worth N2.6 billion in Port Harcourt. The agency also identified the adulteration of staples like honey and palm oil, as well as the chemical manipulation of fruits.