– Agency reports 474 new cases, closure of 179 establishments between January and August 2026
– Cosmetics account for 48.8% of seizures, drinks 26.2%
Sunday Ehigiator and Ayodeji Ake
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) recorded 821 product seizure entries, made 52 arrests and sealed 179 establishments between January and August 2026 as part of efforts to curb the circulation of substandard, falsified, unsafe and non-compliant regulated products in Nigeria.
The agency also reported 474 new cases, concluded 295 cases and conducted 213 raids during the eight-month period, according to data compiled by its Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement.
In a statement yesterday, signed by its Director General (DG), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC said it had “sustained its investigation, surveillance and enforcement activities from January to August 2026 as part of its ongoing commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that regulated products available in Nigeria meet the required standards of quality, safety and efficacy.”
A breakdown of the reported product seizure entries showed that cosmetics accounted for 401 entries, representing 48.8 per cent of the total, while drinks accounted for 215 entries, representing 26.2 per cent.
Combined, the two categories accounted for 616 entries, representing approximately 75 per cent of all recorded product seizure entries during the period.
The agency, however, clarified that the figures reflected the distribution of enforcement activities across product categories and did not necessarily represent the physical quantities or monetary value of products seized.
“Cosmetics also accounted for 64 of the 179 recorded establishment closures or sealing actions, while drinks accounted for 67 of the 213 raids conducted during the period,” the statement said.
NAFDAC further disclosed that its enforcement activities resulted in 218 administrative sanctions, 157 surveillance activities and 22 reported product destruction exercises during the eight-month period.
The operations covered food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, drinks and chemicals.
According to the agency, its activities also included placing products on hold, collecting and submitting product samples for laboratory analysis, interrogations and referring cases for legal action where applicable.
“These measures form part of NAFDAC’s regulatory approach to identifying suspected violations, gathering evidence, preventing the continued distribution of potentially harmful products and taking appropriate action in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” it said.
The agency attributed the sustained enforcement activities to its commitment to strengthening regulatory oversight, improving compliance and safeguarding public health under the leadership of its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.
On the cases concluded during the period, NAFDAC said: “The conclusion of 295 cases during the reporting period demonstrates the continued work of the Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement in processing reported cases and pursuing regulatory action.”
It added that effective enforcement required more than raids and seizures.
“NAFDAC recognises that effective enforcement requires more than raids and seizures. It also involves surveillance, investigation, evidence gathering, laboratory analysis where necessary, due process and the application of appropriate administrative or judicial sanctions.”
The agency said it would continue to strengthen collaboration with relevant government institutions, law enforcement agencies, state task forces and other stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering, enhance compliance and tackle the circulation of unregistered, falsified, substandard and unsafe regulated products.
It also urged manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers and other operators in regulated sectors to comply strictly with applicable regulatory requirements.
“Businesses are reminded to ensure that their products are duly registered where required, sourced through legitimate channels, appropriately labelled and stored under the prescribed conditions,” it said.
NAFDAC also called on consumers to purchase regulated products from reputable outlets, verify product registration status through official channels where applicable, and report suspected falsified, substandard or unsafe products.
“Consumers should not hesitate to report suspicious products or adverse reactions through NAFDAC’s established reporting channels. Timely reporting can support regulatory investigations and help prevent further harm.”
It added that it would continue to strengthen regulatory oversight, investigate suspected violations and work with stakeholders to promote access to regulated products that meet the required standards of quality, safety and efficacy.