Data compiled by the Agency’s Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement for the period showed 295 cases were concluded, 213 raids conducted, 179 establishments closed or sealed, 52 arrests made, 157 surveillance activities carried out, and 218 administrative sanctions imposed. It also conducted 22 product destruction exercises.
The operations covered food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, drinks and chemicals, in line with NAFDAC’s mandate to protect consumers from substandard, falsified and unsafe products.
NAFDAC said the activities reflect its continued institutional commitment under Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, to strengthening regulatory oversight and ensuring regulated products meet standards of quality, safety and efficacy.
A breakdown showed cosmetics accounted for the highest seizure entries with 401, followed by drinks with 215 and drugs with 112.
The Agency noted the figures represent distribution of enforcement entries and not physical quantity or value.
Cosmetics also accounted for 64 of the 179 closures, while drinks accounted for 67 of the 213 raids.
The Agency said its actions also included placing products on hold, collecting samples for laboratory analysis, interrogations and referrals for legal action where applicable.
“Effective enforcement requires more than raids and seizures. It also involves surveillance, investigation, evidence gathering, laboratory analysis where necessary, due process and application of appropriate sanctions,” it stated.
NAFDAC said it will continue to strengthen collaboration with government institutions, law enforcement agencies, state task forces and other stakeholders to improve intelligence and curb circulation of unregistered and falsified products.
It urged manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers to comply with regulatory requirements, ensure products are duly registered, sourced through legitimate channels and properly labelled and stored.
The Agency also urged consumers to buy from reputable outlets, verify registration status through official channels, and promptly report suspected unsafe products or adverse reactions through NAFDAC’s established channels, noting timely reporting helps prevent further harm.
Onyebuchi Ezigbo
