NAFDAC Busts Lagos Warehouse with ₦3bn Worth of Fake, Banned Cosmetics

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a warehouse in Lagos allegedly stocked with counterfeit and prohibited cosmetic products valued at about ₦3 billion.

In a statement released on Sunday, the agency said the facility was concealed inside an unfinished building within the APT Trade Fair complex area of Lagos. Officials described the operation as a deliberate attempt to hide large quantities of products banned by the federal government.

Banned Soaps and Other Products Seized

According to NAFDAC, enforcement officers recovered hundreds of cartons of soap brands, including Crusader soap, E45 soap, and Extract Gold whitening soap, products the agency says are prohibited for distribution in Nigeria.

In addition to the soaps, assorted perfumes, body oils, and cooking oils were discovered at the site. While some items have already been confirmed as fake or banned, others have been placed under regulatory review to determine their compliance status.

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“All seized products have been evacuated to prevent distribution,” the agency said, adding that the swift removal was necessary to stop the goods from reaching consumers.

Investigation Underway

NAFDAC confirmed that the warehouse manager has been invited for questioning as investigations continue. The agency said further enforcement actions may follow depending on the outcome of its probe.

Counterfeit cosmetics and household products remain a persistent challenge in Nigeria, with regulators warning that fake and substandard goods can pose serious health risks. Skin damage, allergic reactions, and long-term health complications have previously been linked to unregulated cosmetic products, particularly those containing harmful chemicals.

Public Urged to Stay Vigilant

The agency reiterated its warning to members of the public to exercise caution when purchasing cosmetic and household products. It encouraged consumers to verify product authenticity and report suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Officials stressed that enforcement operations will continue across markets and warehouses to curb the circulation of counterfeit goods.

The latest seizure underscores the scale of the counterfeit trade in Lagos, a major commercial hub where informal distribution networks often operate alongside legitimate businesses.

As NAFDAC intensifies surveillance and compliance checks, regulators say collaboration from the public will be key to tackling the growing menace of fake and banned products in the Nigerian market.

Mubarak Bankole