NAFDAC Cracks Down On Fake Drinks, Expired Food, Misused Oil Tankers

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified its enforcement operations in Lagos State, uncovering counterfeit alcoholic beverages, expired food products and the misuse of oil tankers meant for transporting edible vegetable oil.

Speaking during a press briefing on the agency’s recent enforcement activities, the director of the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, Dr Martins Iluyomade, said the operations underscore NAFDAC’s determination to protect public health by ensuring that only safe, quality and properly regulated products are available to Nigerians.

According to him, one of the operations involved the interception of two tankers designated for transporting edible vegetable oil but which were found carrying Automotive Gas Oil (diesel).

“Upon inspection, the tankers were found to be loaded with Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel), a serious violation with grave implications for public health and food safety,” he said.

Iluyomade disclosed that during interrogation, the manager claimed ignorance of the colour-coding requirements for edible oil tankers and admitted that the vehicles had previously been used exclusively for transporting diesel.

“The two tankers, along with their drivers, have been taken into custody, and investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the violation and ensure appropriate regulatory action,” he added.

In a separate operation, NAFDAC officers uncovered more than 450 cartons of expired salad cream at two locations within the Oke Arin market in Lagos.

The agency said the products had expired as far back as 2024 and were immediately evacuated to prevent them from reaching unsuspecting consumers.

“The owner has been invited for questioning, while several other shops found to be in violation, including those stocking unregistered and banned products or operating under poor storage conditions, were sealed pending further investigation,” Iluyomade stated.

The agency also dismantled two counterfeit alcoholic beverage production operations in the Mushin area of Lagos, leading to the arrest of two suspects identified as Mr. Uchenna Ekezie and Mr. Peter Okparalgbo.

According to NAFDAC, large quantities of suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages, including premium local and international brands, were recovered from shops, storage facilities and an illegal production site.

The agency also seized bottles, packaging materials, labels and other equipment allegedly used in the illicit production process.

“During interrogation, both suspects made confessional statements admitting to the production of counterfeit alcoholic beverages. All recovered products and production materials have been secured as exhibits, and investigations are continuing with a view to prosecution,” Iluyomade said.

The agency further disclosed that on July 15, 2026, one Mr. Chidera Chukwuka was convicted by the Federal High Court, Lagos, on a six-count charge before Justice Allagoa.

“The Court convicted the defendant and imposed a total fine of N1.65 million. The Court also ordered the forfeiture of all offending products to NAFDAC for destruction,” he said.

Iluyomade also announced that Onifarm Laboratories Ltd. has been blacklisted by the agency with immediate effect.

“It is pertinent to mention here that Onifarm Laboratories Ltd. has been BLACKLISTED by NAFDAC with immediate effect from pharmaceutical business activities due to engagement in regulatory misrepresentation and improper use of approvals/certificates, among others, which constitute gross violations of the NAFDAC Act Cap. N1 LFN 2004, the Food, Drug and Related Products Act Cap. F33 LFN 2004, to mention a few,” he stated.

Reaffirming the agency’s resolve, Iluyomade said NAFDAC would sustain surveillance and enforcement activities across the country.

“The Agency wishes to reassure the public that surveillance and enforcement activities will continue across the country. We urge consumers to remain vigilant by purchasing regulated products only from reputable outlets and to report suspicious products or activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.

“NAFDAC will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to ensure that offenders are brought to justice and that the integrity of regulated products in Nigeria is protected,” he said.