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