NAFDAC Uncovers Over ₦1 Billion Worth of Fake Chemicals and Expired Flavours in Lagos

Source:  Chioma Obinna & Peace Ezenwamma

NAFDAC AGENTS

In one of its largest enforcement actions this year, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has busted a major illegal operation in Alapere, Ketu (Lagos) involving the distribution of fake and expired chemicals, food-grade flavourings, and unauthorised fertilisers, all valued at over ₦1 billion.

Key Highlights:

  • Three suspects arrested
  • Three warehouses sealed
  • Seized products include expired flavourings, precursor chemicals, forged expiry labels, and repackaged pharmaceutical ingredients
  • NAFDAC describes the seized materials as “hazardous” and “potentially deadly

What Was Seized?

According to Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, the following illegal substances were recovered:

  • Expired flavourings: roasted beef, roasted chicken, tiger nut, Chinook, cola additives
  • Pharmaceutical compounds: metronidazole benzoate, propylene glycol
  • Restricted chemicals: caustic soda, urea fertiliser (requiring ONSA clearance)

“These products pose serious health risks. Some are used directly in consumables. Their expiration makes final products unsafe for public use,” — Dr. Iluyomade

Counterfeit Tactics Exposed

NAFDAC revealed that the illegal operation used sophisticated label forgery techniques:

  • Fake expiry dates such as 2026 printed over expired items
  • Forged “QC Certified” stickers
  • False “Made in China” packaging
  • Items rerouted from licensed importers to unapproved handlers

“This is more dangerous than expired tablets. Consumers can’t read expiry dates on processed goods,” — Dr. Leonard Omokpariola, Director of Chemical Evaluation and Research

Legal Action and Investigations

NAFDAC is:

  • Pursuing the primary suspect, who remains at large
  • Tracing the full supply and distribution chain
  • Investigating licensed companies whose expired goods entered black-market circulation
  • Reiterating strict enforcement of chemical disposal regulations

“We are watching. Manufacturers must dispose of expired ingredients properly. Revalidation is prohibited,” — Dr. Omokpariola

Arrests & Warnings

  • Three people arrested so far
  • NAFDAC urges the primary suspect to surrender
  • Warns of prosecution for all parties involved in the counterfeit network

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