In a major enforcement sweep at the sprawling Trade Fair Market in Lagos, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confiscated banned, unregistered, and expired products valued at more than ₦1.5 billion. The raid, led by the agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, focused on the cosmetics section but also netted a truckload of counterfeit items under NAFDAC’s jurisdiction
According to Iluyomade, the operation was triggered by mounting public concerns over unsafe consumer goods circulating in the market. Warehouse inspections revealed large quantities of expired cosmetics and other regulated items openly displayed for sale. Many products had bypassed mandatory safety checks or were illegally imported without registration
Iluyomade explained that NAFDAC’s inspection process combines initial visual assessments, checking labelling, expiry dates, and packaging, with laboratory testing to detect potentially toxic or carcinogenic substances. He cautioned that, while some items may look legitimate, they often conceal harmful ingredients capable of long-term health damage
The Director issued stern warnings: warehouse owners and traders connected to the seized goods have been summoned for questioning and face prosecution if found guilty. He made it clear that anyone caught importing, distributing, or selling these dangerous products will face the full weight of the law. Iluyomade underscored that unsafe cosmetics and consumer items are not just health hazards, they represent national security risks, with silent but severe threats to the Nigerian population
NAFDAC, headed by Director‑General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, stressed that this enforcement drive forms part of the agency’s broader national action plan to safeguard public health. The goal is to eliminate the circulation of prohibited, expired, substandard, and counterfeit goods across Nigerian markets
With this latest seizure, NAFDAC reaffirms its commitment to protecting consumers and supporting legitimate businesses. The agency remains poised to continue similar operations until markets are cleared of unsafe and unlawful products.
