In a major crackdown on the circulation of substandard and falsified medical products, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized counterfeit drugs estimated to be worth over ₦1.2 billion during a well-coordinated operation in Lagos State.
The enforcement action, which was carried out by NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, targeted a notorious distribution hub suspected to be a major source of fake pharmaceuticals flooding various parts of the country. Acting on credible intelligence, the agency stormed several shops and warehouses in the Idumota and Alaba markets—two known hotspots for the illegal drug trade—where large quantities of counterfeit, expired, and unregistered medicines were discovered and promptly confiscated.
According to the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the seized products included falsified antibiotics, analgesics, antimalarials, and other essential medications that pose a serious threat to public health. She lamented the dangers associated with the sale and consumption of such drugs, stressing that fake medicines are not only ineffective but can cause severe health complications, treatment failures, or even death.
Prof. Adeyeye further explained that many of the fake products bore imitated labels of well-known pharmaceutical brands, making them difficult for unsuspecting consumers to detect. She reiterated the agency’s commitment to protecting the lives of Nigerians by aggressively pursuing individuals and syndicates involved in the manufacturing, importation, and distribution of counterfeit drugs.
During the raid, several suspects were apprehended and are currently assisting the agency with ongoing investigations. NAFDAC confirmed that those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the NAFDAC Act and other relevant Nigerian laws.
The operation forms part of the agency’s broader efforts under its renewed mandate to intensify surveillance, enforce regulatory compliance, and dismantle networks responsible for the proliferation of fake medical products across the country. Prof. Adeyeye emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration, particularly with the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, in sustaining the fight against the counterfeit drug menace.
She also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious drug outlets or unregistered products through NAFDAC’s official communication channels. Consumers were advised to always check for NAFDAC registration numbers and only purchase medicines from licensed pharmacies and approved outlets.
The agency has assured Nigerians that all confiscated drugs will be destroyed in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, as part of its zero-tolerance policy on fake and substandard products. As Lagos continues to serve as a commercial nerve centre of the nation, the seizure underscores the pressing need for enhanced regulatory oversight and public awareness in safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
