By BONIFACE AKARAH

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) recorded 474 new cases, 295 concluded cases and 213 raids between January and August 2026 as part of its efforts to combat substandard, falsified, unsafe and non-compliant regulated products in Nigeria.

In a press release dated October 14, 2026, and signed by its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, the agency said its Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement also recorded 821 product seizure entries, 179 establishments closed or sealed, 52 arrests, 157 surveillance activities and 218 administrative sanctions during the eight-month period.

The report further showed that NAFDAC conducted 22 product destruction exercises as it sustained its investigation, surveillance and enforcement operations across the country.

According to the agency, the activities covered food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, drinks and chemicals, reflecting the broad scope of its mandate to protect consumers and ensure that regulated products meet required standards of quality, safety and efficacy.

Cosmetics account for highest seizure entries

A breakdown of the figures showed that cosmetics accounted for the highest number of recorded product seizure entries, with 401, followed by drinks with 215 and drugs with 112.

NAFDAC, however, clarified that the figures represented reported seizure entries and did not necessarily indicate the physical quantity or monetary value of products seized.

The agency also recorded 64 establishment closures or sealing actions involving cosmetics, while drinks accounted for 67 of the 213 raids conducted during the period.

Its enforcement activities included placing products on hold, collecting and submitting samples for laboratory analysis, conducting interrogations and referring cases for legal action where applicable.

NAFDAC said these measures were intended to identify suspected violations, gather evidence, prevent the continued distribution of potentially harmful products and ensure that appropriate action was taken in line with applicable laws and regulations.

Agency vows to sustain enforcement

The agency said the conclusion of 295 cases during the reporting period reflected the continued efforts of its Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement to process reported cases and pursue regulatory action.

It stressed that effective enforcement extended beyond raids and seizures to include surveillance, investigation, evidence gathering, laboratory analysis where necessary, due process and the application of appropriate administrative or judicial sanctions.

NAFDAC also pledged to strengthen collaboration with 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 products.

Consumers urged to report suspicious products

The agency called on manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers and other operators in regulated sectors to comply with applicable requirements, including product registration where required, legitimate sourcing, proper labelling and prescribed storage conditions.

It also urged consumers to purchase regulated products from reputable outlets and verify their registration status through official NAFDAC channels where applicable.

“Consumers should not hesitate to report suspicious products or adverse reactions through NAFDAC’s established reporting channels,” the agency said, adding that timely reports could support investigations and help prevent further harm.

Reaffirming its commitment to public health, NAFDAC said it would continue to strengthen regulatory oversight, investigate suspected violations and work with stakeholders to promote access to products that meet required standards of quality, safety and efficacy.

The agency’s statement was issued under its motto: “NAFDAC; Customer Focus, Agency Minded.”