NAFDAC Conducts 213 Raids, Records 474 New Cases in Eight Months

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified its nationwide enforcement operations, recording 213 raids and 474 new cases between January and August 2026 in a renewed effort to protect Nigerians from unsafe and substandard products.According to the agency’s eight-month enforcement report, its Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement also recorded 821 product seizure entries, closed or sealed 179 establishments, and made 52 arrests during the period.The report further showed that 295 cases were concluded, 157 surveillance activities were conducted, 218 administrative sanctions were imposed, and 22 product destruction exercises were reported.Cosmetics and Drinks Dominate Seizure RecordsA breakdown of the seizure entries revealed that cosmetics accounted for the highest number, with 401 entries. Drinks followed with 215, while drugs accounted for 112 entries.The agency clarified that these figures represent recorded seizure entries across product categories and do not necessarily reflect the physical quantities or monetary value of products seized.Drinks were associated with 67 of the 213 raids, while cosmetics accounted for 64 of the 179 establishments closed or sealed during the period.The enforcement activities covered food, medicines, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, drinks and chemicals.Beyond Raids and ArrestsNAFDAC’s operations extended beyond raids and seizures to include product sampling for laboratory analysis, investigations, interrogations, administrative sanctions and referrals for legal action where appropriate.These measures are intended to identify suspected regulatory violations, gather evidence and prevent potentially harmful products from continuing to circulate in the Nigerian market.The agency also indicated that it would strengthen collaboration with government institutions, law enforcement agencies, state task forces and other stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering and regulatory compliance.NAFDAC Advises Businesses and ConsumersThe agency urged manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers to comply with applicable regulations, ensure products are registered where required, and maintain appropriate labelling, sourcing and storage practices.Consumers were also advised to purchase regulated products from reputable outlets, verify registration details through official NAFDAC channels where applicable, and report suspected falsified, substandard or unsafe products.The agency emphasised that public vigilance and timely reporting can support investigations and help prevent further harm.Protecting Public HealthThe latest figures highlight the scale of NAFDAC’s enforcement activities and the continuing challenge of preventing unsafe, falsified and non-compliant products from reaching consumers.Sustained surveillance, regulatory compliance and cooperation between authorities, businesses and the public remain important to ensuring that products sold in Nigeria meet prescribed standards of quality and safety.NAFDAC has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening oversight and taking appropriate action against suspected violations to safeguard public health.