NAFDAC Destroys Fake and Banned Products Worth Over ₦8 Billion in North-Central Nigeria

By George Omagbemi

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed fake, banned, adulterated and unwholesome products valued at more than ₦8 billion, following seizures across Nigeria’s North-Central zone.

The exercise forms part of the agency’s efforts to remove unsafe and non-compliant products from circulation and protect Nigerians from potential health risks.

The destroyed items reportedly comprised regulated products, including food, medicines, medical devices, chemicals, detergents and other consumer goods that failed to meet applicable safety and quality requirements.

NAFDAC has consistently warned that counterfeit medicines and unsafe food products pose serious risks to public health. Such products may contain incorrect ingredients, harmful substances or inadequate concentrations of active ingredients, while expired and improperly stored goods may also be unsafe for use or consumption.

The agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate is responsible for investigating suspected violations, coordinating enforcement operations and overseeing the destruction of counterfeit, expired, substandard and other non-compliant products.

Crackdown on unsafe products. The destruction comes amid intensified enforcement against counterfeit and substandard goods across Nigeria. In October 2026, NAFDAC also reported the destruction of products worth billions of naira in separate operations in Lagos, Abia and Rivers states.

The agency has urged manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers to comply with regulatory standards and ensure that only safe, properly registered products reach consumers.

Consumers are also encouraged to check product registration details, expiry dates, packaging and labelling before purchasing food, medicines and other regulated goods. Suspected counterfeit products should be reported to the nearest NAFDAC office.

The agency’s enforcement campaign highlights the continuing challenge of keeping dangerous and substandard products out of Nigerian markets.