NAFDAC seizes banned, fake cosmetics worth ₦3bn in Lagos

 The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has made a major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against counterfeit and hazardous products, seizing banned, fake, and unregistered cosmetics valued at over ₦3 billion from a warehouse in Lagos.

The discovery came during a targeted enforcement operation at the APT Trade Fair Complex, where officials uncovered a large stockpile hidden inside an uncompleted building. The raid, which happened on February 22, 2026, exposed a sophisticated setup designed to evade detection, with the illicit goods concealed in what appeared to be an ordinary storage facility.

Among the items recovered were 728 cartons of Crusader soap, 718 cartons of E45 soap, and substantial quantities of Extract Gold whitening soaps products that have been explicitly banned by the federal government due to their severe health risks. These skin-lightening and cosmetic items often contain dangerous ingredients like mercury, hydroquinone, or other banned substances that can cause irreversible skin damage, kidney problems, and increased cancer risk over prolonged use. NAFDAC has repeatedly warned the public about such products, emphasizing that they pose a direct threat to consumers, particularly women and young people seeking lighter skin tones.

The operation brings lasting solutions to challenge of substandard and fake cosmetics flooding the Nigerian market. Many of these items enter through unregulated channels, often smuggled or produced locally without oversight, and are sold openly in markets, salons, and online platforms. The sheer volume seized enough to fill multiple trucks underscores how deeply entrenched these illegal networks have become, preying on unsuspecting buyers who may not realize the long-term dangers lurking in everyday beauty products.

Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director General of NAFDAC, has consistently stressed the agency's commitment to protecting public health through aggressive enforcement. While she was not directly quoted in the latest operation details, her leadership has driven intensified raids and public awareness campaigns in recent years. In this case, NAFDAC described the warehouse as a clear example of efforts to distribute harmful goods on a massive scale. All seized products have since been evacuated to secure locations, preventing them from reaching consumers.

The manager of the warehouse has been invited for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation. NAFDAC officials indicated that further enforcement actions are underway, including potential prosecutions for those involved in the supply chain. The agency urged anyone with information about similar operations to come forward, promising confidentiality and swift response.

This seizure is part of a wide crackdown on fake and banned products across Nigeria. Earlier in February 2026, NAFDAC conducted related operations in Lagos markets, confiscating millions of doses of counterfeit malaria drugs, banned antibiotics, and other pharmaceuticals alongside cosmetics, with street values also running into billions of naira. Those efforts, led by figures like Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement, resulted in arrests and the removal of truckloads of dangerous items.

Health experts and consumer advocates have long called for stricter border controls, better market monitoring, and increased education on product safety. Fake cosmetics not only undermine legitimate businesses but also erode trust in the beauty industry. Many genuine manufacturers comply with NAFDAC regulations, investing in safety testing and proper labeling, only to compete against cheaper, illicit alternatives that promise quick results.

NAFDAC reiterated its warning to the public: always check for the agency's registration number, avoid suspiciously cheap products, and report suspicious sales outlets. The agency continues to collaborate with law enforcement, customs officials, and international partners to dismantle these networks

With operations like this, NAFDAC aims to send a strong message that the distribution of harmful products will face serious consequences, ultimately helping to build a safer marketplace for all Nigerians.