Amanze Chinonye
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced a shift in strategy towards dismantling distribution and supply networks following its recent crackdown on counterfeit Goya oil and fake alcoholic drinks in Lagos, as the agency moves to prevent the re-circulation of substandard products already in the market.
NAFDAC officials said the new phase of intervention is aimed at tracking how counterfeit products move from illegal factories into open markets, religious centres, roadside vendors and hospitality outlets, noting that shutting down production sites alone is not sufficient to protect consumers.
Speaking on the agency’s post-operation priorities, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, said enforcement teams are intensifying surveillance across major commercial hubs in Lagos, including Idumota, Oke-Arin, Trade Fair and Alaba, where fake and unregistered products are commonly traded.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to the agency, intelligence gathered during the recent raids revealed well-organised distribution chains, with middlemen supplying counterfeit cooking oil and alcoholic drinks to retailers who often claim ignorance of the products’ origins.
READ ALSO : NAFDAC Destroys N20bn Worth of Counterfeit, Expired Products in South-West Clampdown
NAFDAC said it is now focusing on cutting off these supply routes, identifying warehouses, bulk suppliers and transport channels linked to the syndicates already uncovered.
Markets, Religious Centres Under Watch
As part of the new intervention, NAFDAC disclosed plans to engage market associations, religious institutions and event vendors, following concerns that fake Goya oil often sold in plastic bottles is widely used for cooking and religious anointing.
The agency warned that any trader or organisation found distributing or using counterfeit products after public advisories would face enforcement actions, including seizures and prosecution.
Alcohol Distribution Clampdown
NAFDAC also confirmed that investigations into the alcohol counterfeiting network uncovered in Lagos are ongoing, with attention now on identifying secondary distributors and retail outlets that received fake alcoholic drinks.
Officials warned that adulterated alcohol remains a serious public health risk and urged consumers to avoid unusually cheap products and to buy only from verified sources.
Public Advisory and Reporting
The agency reiterated its call for Nigerians to remain vigilant, advising consumers to:
- Check product packaging and registration details
- Avoid products sold outside authorised channels
- Report suspicious goods or storage facilities to NAFDAC offices
NAFDAC said information from the public will play a key role in disrupting the circulation of counterfeit products already in communities.
Sustained Enforcement
NAFDAC stressed that the shift towards distribution networks marks a long-term enforcement phase, adding that collaboration with other security agencies will continue to ensure that fake and substandard food and drinks are removed from circulation.
The agency assured Nigerians that further arrests and seizures may follow as investigations expand beyond initial production sites.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
