NAFDAC seizes banned and unregistered products at Lagos Trade Fair market

NAFDAC’s Lagos Trade Fair Raid: Public Health Victory or Regulatory Overreach?

In one of its largest enforcement operations in recent months, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) seized banned, expired, and unregistered products worth over ₦1.5 billion at the Lagos Trade Fair market. The raid, led by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation & Enforcement, uncovered warehouses filled with cosmetics and food items lacking proper registration or date markings. A trailer loaded with unregistered cosmetics was intercepted, though the driver fled the scene.

While the operation has been hailed as a bold move to protect public health, it has also sparked intense debate among traders, consumers, and policy analysts.

Enforcement vs. Systemic Reform

NAFDAC’s approach mirrors global best practices seen in agencies like the U.S. FDA and the European EMA, with increasing use of field testing devices (e.g., Truscan®), mobile ADR reporting apps, and digital registration platforms like NAPAMSv2. However, Nigeria’s fragmented supply chains and informal markets present unique challenges.

Critics argue that enforcement alone won’t solve the problem. Without addressing port-level corruption and opaque import channels, counterfeit goods will continue to flood the market. There’s also concern that low-level traders are being scapegoated while high-level offenders remain untouched.

Public Reaction: Mixed Sentiment

Support

Many Nigerians applauded the crackdown, citing long-standing concerns about unsafe products in local markets. The seizure is seen as a step toward restoring consumer trust and protecting public health.

Concern

Traders expressed frustration over the suddenness of the raid and the lack of due process. Some claim legitimate goods were seized due to poor labeling or lack of access to registration tools.

Skepticism

Social commentators and civil society groups have called for more transparency in NAFDAC’s operations and better engagement with stakeholders. There’s growing demand for the agency to prosecute importers and corrupt officials, not just market sellers.

What’s Missing?

• Consumer Education: Many Nigerians still lack the tools to identify safe products.
• Inclusive Regulation: MSMEs need easier access to compliance platforms.
• Judicial Follow-Through: Enforcement must be backed by prosecution of systemic enablers.
• Infrastructure Investment: Centralized drug distribution hubs and traceability systems could revolutionize oversight.

The Road Ahead

NAFDAC’s raid is a wake-up call not just about unsafe products, but about the need for holistic reform. As Nigeria pushes toward WHO regulatory maturity, the agency must balance enforcement with education, transparency, and stakeholder inclusion.