NAFDAC Seizes ₦3 Billion Worth of Banned and Fake Cosmetics in Lagos Trade Fair Complex

NAFDAC Uncovers ₦3 Billion Worth of Banned and Fake Cosmetics in Lagos Warehouse



The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a massive cache of banned and counterfeit cosmetic products valued at over ₦3 billion in Lagos State, raising serious concerns about public health and consumer safety.


The illegal warehouse, discovered at the APT Trade Fair Complex in Lagos, was reportedly concealed inside an uncompleted building, a tactic often used to evade regulatory surveillance.



During the enforcement operation, officials recovered hundreds of cartons of banned and unregistered products, including, 728 cartons of Crusader soap, 718 cartons of E45 soap, Extract Gold whitening soaps, assorted perfumes, body oils and cooking oils


According to NAFDAC, some of these products are banned by the Federal Government due to safety concerns, while others were either counterfeit or not properly registered for sale in Nigeria.


All seized goods have since been evacuated to prevent distribution into the market.




The circulation of banned and fake cosmetics poses serious health risks to Nigerians. Many unregulated skincare products may contain harmful bleaching agents, mercury and heavy metals, steroids and toxic preservatives


Prolonged use of such products can lead to skin damage, organ failure, hormonal imbalance, and in severe cases, life-threatening complications.


NAFDAC has repeatedly warned that counterfeit cosmetics are often produced in unsanitary conditions without quality control or proper ingredient disclosure.




The warehouse manager has been invited for questioning as investigations continue. Authorities are working to determine the source of the products, the distribution network and other individuals possibly involved


Regulatory and enforcement actions are expected to follow once investigations are concluded.

Nigeria’s cosmetic and skincare market is one of the largest in Africa. Unfortunately, it has also become a target for counterfeiters seeking to profit at the expense of public safety.

Operations like this demonstrate NAFDAC’s continued efforts to clamp down on illegal imports, remove dangerous products from circulation and protect consumers from harmful substances


However, experts note that enforcement alone is not enough. Public awareness and vigilance are equally critical.   



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NAFDAC is advising Nigerians to avoid buying cosmetics from suspicious or unverified sellers, check for proper NAFDAC registration numbers, be cautious of unusually cheap products and report suspicious products to the nearest NAFDAC office


If a product does not have clear labeling, ingredient listing, or official registration, consumers are urged to avoid it.



The discovery of over ₦3 billion worth of banned and fake cosmetics highlights the ongoing battle against counterfeit and unsafe products in Nigeria.


While enforcement agencies continue their work, consumers must also play their part by making informed purchasing decisions. Public health depends not just on regulation, but on collective responsibility.

More updates are expected as investigations progress.

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