The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized and destroyed suspected counterfeit and substandard products valued at more than ₦5.3 billion in one week, as its enforcement operations target illegal goods in Lagos, Abia and Rivers states.
The products reportedly include suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages, repackaged goods, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, tomato paste and biscuits.
NAFDAC’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Christiana Obiazikwor, disclosed the development in an interview published by Saturday PUNCH on October 17, 2026.
The enforcement operations form part of efforts to remove potentially dangerous products from circulation and disrupt businesses suspected of manufacturing, repackaging or distributing unapproved goods.
Lagos Operation Uncovers Suspected Fake Drinks Worth ₦2bn
One of the major operations took place at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex on October 13, where NAFDAC operatives reportedly seized suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages and repackaged products valued at approximately ₦2 billion.
According to the report, the operation uncovered more than 20 illegal stores at Zamfara Plaza.
The agency reportedly found suspected counterfeit versions of popular alcoholic beverage brands, alongside products with allegedly altered expiry information and prohibited imported goods.
The findings raise concerns about the risks associated with alcoholic beverages whose ingredients, production conditions and authenticity cannot be reliably established.
Counterfeit or improperly handled drinks can pose serious health risks, particularly when consumers have no reliable way of verifying what the products contain.
NAFDAC Reports More Seizures in Abia and Rivers
The enforcement campaign also extended to Aba in Abia State, where suspected fake alcoholic drinks and packaging materials valued at more than ₦700 million were reportedly seized.
In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, products valued at approximately ₦2.6 billion were destroyed on Friday, according to the report.
The operations involved different categories of goods, including pharmaceuticals, chemicals and food products, highlighting the broad range of items that can enter the market through suspected illegal production and distribution channels.
Taken together, the reported figures put the value of the seized and destroyed products at more than ₦5.3 billion within a week.
The figures represent the reported value of the products involved in the operations; they do not necessarily represent the amount of money recovered as cash or the financial losses suffered by consumers.
Why Fake and Substandard Products Are a Public Health Concern
Counterfeit and substandard products can expose consumers to significant risks.
In the case of medicines, products that are falsified, contaminated, improperly stored or incorrectly labelled may fail to provide the expected treatment and could cause harm.
Suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages also raise safety concerns because consumers may be unable to verify their ingredients, origin or production standards.
For food products, improper handling, misleading labels and unapproved ingredients can undermine consumer safety and confidence.
NAFDAC’s latest operations therefore go beyond removing goods from shops and warehouses. They also highlight the importance of monitoring the supply chain, identifying suspected illegal producers and holding offenders accountable where evidence supports prosecution.
How Nigerians Can Protect Themselves
Consumers can take practical steps to reduce the risk of purchasing counterfeit or unapproved products.
Check product details: Examine labels, batch numbers, expiry dates and packaging for inconsistencies or signs of tampering.
Buy from trusted outlets: Purchase medicines, alcoholic beverages and food products from reputable pharmacies, supermarkets and authorised distributors.
Verify regulated products: Where applicable, check registration details through NAFDAC’s official channels rather than relying solely on a label or registration number printed on the packaging.
Avoid suspiciously cheap goods: Unusually low prices, damaged seals or packaging that differs significantly from a product’s normal appearance may warrant caution.
Report suspected products: Consumers who encounter potentially fake or unsafe goods can contact NAFDAC through its official reporting channels.
These precautions cannot guarantee that a product is genuine, but they can help consumers recognise warning signs and seek verification before use.
Crackdown Continues as Consumers Await Further Action
The latest seizures and destruction exercise represent a major enforcement development, with the reported value of the products exceeding ₦5.3 billion in just one week.
Attention will now turn to whether investigations lead to further enforcement action against those allegedly responsible for the suspected illegal products and whether the operations result in lasting disruption of the supply chains involved.
The development also reinforces the need for sustained inspections, public awareness and cooperation between regulators, legitimate businesses and consumers.
WeGoTalk.com.ng will continue to monitor NAFDAC’s enforcement activities and provide verified updates on product safety, regulatory action and consumer protection.
