The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has stepped up its nationwide enforcement operations against unsafe, substandard, falsified and non-compliant products, recording 474 new cases between January and August 2026.

Data from the agency’s Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement showed that NAFDAC conducted 213 raids, concluded 295 cases, sealed or closed 179 establishments and arrested 52 suspects during the eight-month period.

The agency also documented 821 product seizure entries, carried out 157 surveillance activities, imposed 218 administrative sanctions and recorded 22 product destruction exercises.

The enforcement activities covered several regulated product categories, including food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, beverages and chemicals.

NAFDAC said the operations were part of its efforts to safeguard public health by ensuring that products available to Nigerians meet established standards of quality, safety and effectiveness.

Cosmetics, Drinks Account for Most Seizure Entries

A breakdown of the 821 product seizure entries showed that cosmetics accounted for the largest share, with 401 entries. Drinks followed with 215, while drugs accounted for 112 entries.

The agency clarified that the figures represented recorded seizure entries across different product categories and should not be interpreted as the actual quantity or monetary value of the products confiscated.

Cosmetics were also linked to 64 of the 179 establishments sealed or closed during the period, while drinks featured in 67 of the 213 raids conducted.

Other enforcement measures included placing products on hold, collecting samples for laboratory testing, questioning suspects and referring cases for possible legal action.

These activities, according to the agency, help investigators identify suspected regulatory breaches, gather evidence, prevent potentially harmful products from reaching consumers and ensure that appropriate sanctions are applied.

The conclusion of 295 cases during the period reflected the continuing work of the enforcement directorate in investigating reported violations and pursuing regulatory action.

Under the leadership of its Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC said it would continue strengthening oversight and enforcing compliance to protect Nigerians from falsified, substandard, unsafe and unregistered products.

The agency stressed that effective enforcement involves more than raids and seizures, noting that surveillance, investigations, evidence collection, laboratory analysis and due process are also essential to addressing violations.

It also pledged to deepen cooperation with government institutions, law enforcement agencies, state task forces and other stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering and curb the circulation of unsafe and improperly registered products.

NAFDAC urged manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers and other businesses operating in regulated sectors to comply with applicable requirements.

Operators were advised to ensure that products are properly registered where required, obtained through legitimate channels, correctly labelled and stored under prescribed conditions.

Consumers were also encouraged to buy regulated products from reputable outlets, check their registration status through official NAFDAC channels where applicable and report suspected counterfeit, substandard or unsafe goods.

The agency further urged members of the public to report suspicious products and adverse reactions through its established channels, noting that timely reports could assist investigations and help prevent further harm.

NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to sustained regulatory monitoring and enforcement to ensure that products sold in Nigeria meet the required standards of quality and safety.