NAFDAC Uncovers ₦1 Billion Worth of Fake Chemicals, Expired Food Additives in Lagos Raid
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered an illegal operation involving counterfeit chemicals, expired food flavors, fertilizers, and repackaged raw materials valued at over ₦1 billion in the Alapere area of Ketu, Lagos.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NAFDAC confirmed the arrest of three suspects and the sealing of three warehouses following a coordinated raid led by the agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade.
The operation, prompted by credible intelligence, targeted a criminal network allegedly endangering public health through the sale and distribution of expired and unregulated substances.
“This is part of our ongoing efforts to safeguard the health of Nigerians,” said Iluyomade. “We received information that some individuals were operating under the guise of a legitimate business, but were in fact committing serious crimes that pose grave risks to public safety.”
Iluyomade explained that many of the seized chemicals were raw materials or precursors used in the production of consumable goods. “Using expired chemicals makes it impossible to achieve a safe or effective final product, making this a serious health hazard,” he added.
According to the agency, some of the confiscated items included controlled chemicals and food-grade additives that should only be handled by licensed entities or government agencies. Among the stock were expired products originally imported by a registered company. NAFDAC noted that the circumstances surrounding how these items ended up in the hands of unauthorized individuals would be thoroughly investigated.
The raid also uncovered fertilizers requiring clearance from the Office of the National Security Adviser—products that were being distributed illegally.
“This raises serious concerns about how some multinationals are operating in Nigeria,” the statement read. “We are particularly disturbed that registered companies are failing to secure their supply chains, allowing critical and potentially hazardous items to fall into the wrong hands.”
Dr. Leonard Omokpariola, Director of Chemical Evaluation and Control, emphasized the need for strict adherence to NAFDAC’s guidelines. “It is deeply troubling that some of the seized items are highly regulated and not meant to be in individual possession. Companies must act responsibly and follow our protocols for handling such sensitive materials,” he said.
The investigation is ongoing, and NAFDAC has vowed to bring all individuals and entities involved to justice.
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