NAFDAC seals 179 establishments, arrests 52 in 8 months

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed 179 establishments and arrested 52 suspects in eight months as part of its crackdown on unsafe, substandard, falsified and unregistered regulated products nationwide.

The agency, which released the figures on Wednesday, said it recorded 474 new cases, conducted 213 raids and concluded 295 cases between January and August 2026.

Data compiled by its Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement also showed 821 product seizure entries, 218 administrative sanctions, 157 surveillance activities and 22 product destruction exercises during the period.

The operations covered food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, drinks and chemicals, with cosmetics accounting for the highest number of seizure entries at 401, followed by drinks with 215 and drugs with 112.

NAFDAC clarified that the seizure entries did not necessarily reflect the physical quantities or monetary value of the products seized.

“Cosmetics accounted for 64 of the 179 establishments closed or sealed during the period, while drinks featured in 67 of the 213 raids conducted,” it said.

The agency said its enforcement activities also involved placing products on hold, collecting samples for laboratory analysis, interrogating suspects and referring cases for legal action where necessary.It explained that these measures helped investigators identify suspected violations, gather evidence and prevent the continued distribution of potentially harmful products while pursuing appropriate regulatory action.

According to NAFDAC, tackling regulatory violations requires sustained surveillance, investigations, laboratory analysis and due process, alongside raids, seizures and administrative or judicial sanctions.

The agency said it would strengthen collaboration with government institutions, law enforcement agencies, state task forces and other stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering and curb the circulation of unsafe products.

It urged manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers to comply with regulatory requirements, including product registration, sourcing through legitimate channels, proper labelling and prescribed storage conditions.

Consumers were advised to patronise reputable outlets and verify product registration through the agency’s official channels where applicable.

NAFDAC also urged members of the public to report suspected falsified, substandard or unsafe products, as well as adverse reactions, through its established reporting channels, saying timely reports could support investigations and prevent further harm.