The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed counterfeit, adulterated, expired and banned products valued at more than ₦8 billion seized across North-Central Nigeria.
The destruction exercise took place in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Thursday, October 29, 2026, as part of the agency’s efforts to protect public health and prevent dangerous products from reaching consumers.
According to NAFDAC, the confiscated items were recovered from manufacturing facilities, shops, markets and motor parks across the North-Central region.
The agency disclosed that the bulk of the seized products consisted of banned alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small containers below 200 millilitres.
Speaking through a Deputy Director of NAFDAC in the zone, Joseph Edor, the agency’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, explained that the restriction on alcoholic drinks in sachets and small containers was introduced to curb alcohol abuse, particularly among young people and schoolchildren.
Adeyeye noted that the affordability and easy availability of such products made them accessible for misuse, raising concerns about their impact on public health.
She warned that early exposure to alcohol could damage the brain and vital organs, including the liver and kidneys. She also highlighted possible consequences such as impaired learning, reduced productivity and other health complications.
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Beyond the banned alcoholic beverages, the destroyed items included expired and counterfeit medicines, unwholesome food products and substandard cosmetics.
The NAFDAC boss commended security agencies and other stakeholders for supporting the agency’s enforcement operations through intelligence sharing and security assistance.
Also speaking at the event, the Nasarawa State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Dr Gyani Stephen, said the destruction was aimed at safeguarding public health rather than targeting businesses or individuals.
He warned traders involved in the distribution and sale of counterfeit, expired or prohibited products to desist, stressing that the agency would take appropriate action against offenders.
In a goodwill message, the Nasarawa State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Daniel Saidu, represented by Yakubu Awoh, praised NAFDAC for its efforts to remove dangerous products from circulation.
He cautioned that the sale and consumption of fake medicines and other harmful products could expose millions of Nigerians to serious health risks.
The operation underscores NAFDAC’s continued efforts to enforce product safety regulations, combat the circulation of substandard goods and protect consumers across the country.
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