*The Investigation and Enforcement Unit officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control uncover an illegal operation involving fake and expired food-grade chemicals, flavours, fertilisers, and repackaged raw materials valued at over N1 billion in Lagos

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

As part of its commitment to safeguarding the health of Nigerian consumers, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has disclosed its enforcement operatives uncovered an illegal operation involving fake and expired food-grade chemicals, flavours, fertilisers, and repackaged raw materials in Lagos.

绿帽献妻 reports NAFDAC said the seized illegal products were valued at over N1 billion.

The health sector regulatory agency noted during a raid led by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, also arrested three suspects and sealed off three warehouses used for the illicit storage and distribution of the products.

On the arrests made during the recent raid in Lagos, Christiana Obiazikwor, Deputy Director of Public Relations at NAFDAC, confirmed that “three persons have so far been arrested. Investigations are ongoing.鈥�

Iluyomade: Seizures pose significant health risk to consumers

Speaking on the discovery and seizures, Dr. Iluyomade stated: 鈥淭his is one of several targeted operations aimed at protecting public health. “The materials found here are hazardous and were being sold for use in consumables.”

The raid, he said, was conducted based on credible intelligence, exposing a criminal network disguising illegal operations under the cover of legitimate business.

The top official of NAFDAC Investigation and Enforcement Unit further confirmed that many of the seized substances鈥攕ome of which are direct ingredients in food production鈥攈ad expired, thereby posing a significant health risk to consumers.

He also noted: 鈥淪ome of these chemicals are used as precursors or directly in manufacturing.

“Using them after expiration renders the final product unsafe.”

On need for stricter regulatory oversight

Besides, the health regulatory agency raises the alarm over the discovery of such restricted substances, including certain fertilisers that require clearance from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) before distribution.

He averred: 鈥淵et, they were being sold freely, without any regulatory oversight.”

The team equally wondered how a stash of expired food-grade additives recovered from a vehicle, though originally imported by a licensed Nigerian company, had ended up with unapproved third-party handlers.

Iluyomade stated: 鈥淲e are investigating how licensed companies are allowing their expired products to get into unregulated hands.

“This raises serious questions about compliance in the sector.”

NAFDAC operatives confiscate counterfeit products worth聽 N1 billion

NAFDAC noted that the entire operation at Ketu, in Lagos, appeared to be controlled by a single individual, with products worth over N1 billion already confiscated.

Dr. Leonard Omokpariola, Director of Chemical Evaluation and Research of the agency, also explained that substances uncovered in the facility include Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), Urea fertiliser, Propylene glycol (a pharmaceutical excipient), and Metronidazole benzoate (an active pharmaceutical ingredient).

Dr. Omokpariola as well decried the poor storage conditions, describing the environment as completely unsuitable and unsafe.

He said: 鈥淲e also found printed packaging with fake expiry dates like 2026 pasted over expired labels, some marked 鈥楳ade in China鈥� to deceive buyers.”

According to him, among other expired items found there were food flavourings, including roasted chicken, roasted beef, tiger nut, Chinook, and even restricted cola additives, which should not be accessible to individuals.

The team found the use of forged quality control labels, falsely indicating that the products were safe for production and consumption for Nigerians.

Omokpariola further stated: 鈥淭his is even more dangerous than selling expired paracetamol.

“You can read the expiry date on a tablet, but not in a product made with expired chemicals.

“The risk is silent鈥攁nd deadly.”

NAFDAC鈥檚 Investigation and Enforcement Directorate in Apapa is continuing its probe.

Meanwhile, the agency has said it issued a stern warning to the primary suspect to report to authorities immediately.

鈥淚f he fails to turn himself in, we will find him鈥攏o matter where he hides,鈥� Iluyomade warned.

Dr. Omokpariola also added: 鈥淔ood-grade and pharmaceutical-grade chemicals are not revalidated.

“There are clear guidelines for handling expired excipients and active ingredients.鈥�

The health regulator pledged to trace every link in the supply and distribution chain and prosecute all those involved in what it described as a dangerous and criminal enterprise threatening public health.

NAFDAC also reminded manufacturers of their legal obligation to properly handle and dispose of expired raw materials in line with regulatory protocols in Nigeria.

Kindly Share This Story