NAFDAC Busts Over N1 Billion in Counterfeit Food, Drug Chemicals in Lagos

In a major raid that highlights the growing threat of unsafe consumables in Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered over N1 billion worth of counterfeit chemicals, expired food flavorings, and unauthorized pharmaceutical raw materials in the Alapere area of Ketu, Lagos State.

The bust, announced on Tuesday, led to the arrest of three suspects and the sealing of three facilities filled with hazardous materials.

NAFDAC officials confirmed that the raid was carried out after receiving credible intelligence about a criminal network involved in repackaging expired and dangerous substances for use in both food and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, emphasized the gravity of the discovery.

“This is one of our ongoing efforts to protect the health of Nigerians.

Using expired chemicals in consumable goods creates a serious health risk—those products can’t be safe or effective,” he said.

Dr. Leonard Omokpariola, Director of Chemical Evaluation and Research, detailed the items seized during the operation. Among them:

• Expired food flavorings

• Roasted beef and chicken flavorings

• Chinook (a flavor enhancer)

• Tiger nuts

• Active pharmaceutical ingredients, including Metronidazole Benzoate

He added that some of these products were already being redistributed for commercial use when the agency intervened.

NAFDAC warned that these counterfeit substances pose significant dangers to public health, especially when used in the production of everyday consumables like snacks, beverages, and herbal products.

The agency pledged to continue crackdowns on food and drug counterfeiters, and urged citizens to report suspicious operations.