The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted over 10 million doses of counterfeit malaria medicines and cosmetic products valued at approximately ₦3 billion at the Trade Fair Market in Lagos.
The seizure was disclosed by the agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martin Iluyomade, during a media briefing held in Apapa. Iluyomade, who also serves as Chairman of the Federal Task Force on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods, said the operation was carried out following credible intelligence received on February 3.
According to him, the confiscated items included fake anti-malaria tablets and injections used in the treatment of cerebral malaria, antibiotics, Postinor, and Analgin—an analgesic that has been banned in Nigeria for nearly 15 years—among other products.
Iluyomade revealed that eight truckloads of counterfeit drugs and cosmetics were removed from a three-storey building disguised as a spare parts warehouse. Four suspects were arrested in connection with the operation, while investigations are ongoing. He described the raid as one of NAFDAC’s most significant breakthroughs in recent times.
He noted that counterfeiters are increasingly hiding drugs in unconventional locations, making detection more challenging. He added that many of the seized products were expertly cloned to closely resemble original brands, making it difficult even for authorised manufacturers to distinguish them from genuine items.
Warning that the volume of counterfeit medicines intercepted posed a serious public health threat, Iluyomade said the products could have caused widespread harm if allowed to circulate in the market.
He reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment, under the leadership of Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, to eliminate fake and unwholesome products and safeguard public health. He also urged major drug distributors to procure medicines only from NAFDAC-accredited manufacturers and advised members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office nationwide.
