By Desire Uzochukwu
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) recorded 474 new cases and 821 product seizure entries between January and August 2026, as it intensified enforcement against suspected violations involving regulated products.
The agency also conducted 213 raids, concluded 295 cases, sealed or closed 179 establishments and made 52 arrests within the eight-month period.
Data compiled by NAFDAC’s Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement further showed that the agency carried out 157 surveillance activities, imposed 218 administrative sanctions and conducted 22 reported product destruction exercises.
The enforcement operations covered food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, drinks and chemicals.
NAFDAC said the activities were part of its sustained efforts to protect public health and ensure that regulated products available in Nigeria meet prescribed standards of quality, safety and efficacy.
Cosmetics top product seizure entries
A breakdown of the 821 product seizure entries showed that cosmetics accounted for the highest number, with 401 entries, followed by drinks with 215 and drugs with 112.
The agency clarified that the figures represented recorded seizure entries across product categories and did not necessarily indicate the physical quantity or monetary value of the products seized.
Cosmetics also accounted for 64 of the 179 establishments closed or sealed, while drinks featured in 67 of the 213 raids conducted during the period.
Other enforcement measures included placing products on hold, collecting and submitting samples for laboratory analysis, interrogating suspects and referring cases for legal action where necessary.
According to NAFDAC, these activities help investigators identify suspected regulatory violations, gather evidence, prevent the continued distribution of potentially harmful products and take appropriate action under applicable laws.
Agency sustains crackdown on unsafe products
The conclusion of 295 cases during the period reflected the continuing efforts of the Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement to process reported cases and pursue appropriate regulatory action.
Under the leadership of its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC said it would continue to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve compliance and protect Nigerians from substandard, falsified, unsafe and non-compliant products.
The agency stressed that effective enforcement involved more than raids and seizures, requiring surveillance, investigations, evidence gathering, laboratory analysis where necessary, due process and appropriate administrative or judicial sanctions.
It also pledged to strengthen collaboration with relevant government institutions, law enforcement agencies, state task forces and other stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering, enhance compliance and curb the circulation of unregistered, falsified, substandard and unsafe products.
NAFDAC urges Nigerians to report suspicious products
NAFDAC urged manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers and other operators in regulated sectors to comply with applicable requirements.
It advised businesses to ensure that their products were registered where required, sourced through legitimate channels, properly labelled and stored under prescribed conditions.
Consumers were also advised to purchase regulated products from reputable outlets and verify their registration status through official NAFDAC channels where applicable.
The agency urged members of the public to report suspected falsified, substandard or unsafe products, as well as adverse reactions, through its established reporting channels.
It said timely reports could support investigations and help prevent further harm.
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health through stronger regulatory oversight, investigations and enforcement actions to ensure that products available to Nigerians meet prescribed standards of quality, safety and efficacy.
