NAFDAC Records 213 Raids, 474 New Cases in Eight Months
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) recorded 213 raids and 474 new cases between January and August 2026 as it intensified its crackdown on counterfeit and unsafe products across Nigeria.
The figures come days after the agency uncovered a suspected counterfeit drinks operation at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, where it seized products valued at more than ₦2 billion and arrested two suspects.
According to Premium Times, NAFDAC also recorded 52 arrests and concluded 295 cases during the eight-month period.
NAFDAC Records 213 Raids Across Nigeria
NAFDAC carried out the raids as part of efforts to stop the sale of counterfeit, substandard and potentially harmful products.
Its enforcement activities covered food, drugs, drinks, cosmetics and other regulated products.
Drinks accounted for 67 of the 213 raids recorded between January and August. The agency also reported 215 seizure entries involving drinks, although this figure does not represent the total number of individual bottles or cans seized.
Cosmetics recorded 401 seizure entries, while drugs accounted for 112.
NAFDAC said it continued to investigate suspected violations, seize products and pursue cases against individuals and businesses allegedly involved in illegal activities.
What NAFDAC Discovered at Lagos Trade Fair Complex
On October 13, NAFDAC raided Zamfara Plaza at the BBA Trade Fair Complex in Lagos following suspicions of illegal alcoholic beverage production.
The agency said it discovered more than 20 stores allegedly used to counterfeit popular alcoholic drink brands, revalidate expired drinks for resale and store banned imported products.
Officials also found empty bottles, drink cans, labels, bottle caps and other packaging materials.
NAFDAC said the seized products were valued at more than ₦2 billion. Two suspects were arrested during the operation.
The discovery raised concerns about the sale of counterfeit alcoholic drinks and the potential risks to consumers who may be unable to distinguish fake products from genuine ones.
The allegations against the suspects have not been established as proven offences.
Lagos Trade Fair Board Reacts
The management of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex condemned the alleged counterfeit drinks operation and backed NAFDAC’s intervention.
Veronica Ndanusa, the board’s executive director and chief executive officer, said the complex was established to support legitimate businesses and ethical trade.
She commended NAFDAC for the raid and pledged cooperation with regulatory and law enforcement agencies to prevent similar activities.
The board also warned traders against engaging in practices that could threaten public health or undermine legitimate businesses.
What Consumers Should Know
NAFDAC’s latest figures show that the agency continues to target suspected counterfeit products across several sectors, including the drinks market.
However, the number of raids does not mean every business visited or every product seized was involved in a proven offence.
Consumers can reduce their exposure to counterfeit drinks by purchasing products from reputable sellers, checking packaging and seals, and avoiding beverages with suspicious labels or signs of tampering.
The agency’s investigation into the Lagos operation and its wider enforcement activities will determine the next steps against those suspected of violating product safety and copyright rules.