The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) recorded 474 new cases, 821 product seizure entries and 213 raids between January and August 2026 as part of efforts to curb the circulation of substandard, falsified, unsafe and non-compliant regulated products in Nigeria.

The agency’s Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement also recorded 179 establishments closed or sealed, 52 arrests, 157 surveillance activities and 218 administrative sanctions during the eight months.

According to data compiled by the directorate, 295 cases were concluded, while 22 product destruction exercises were reported within the period, reflecting the agency’s sustained investigation, surveillance and enforcement activities.

The operations covered food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, drinks and chemicals, among other regulated products, as NAFDAC continued efforts to ensure that products available to Nigerians meet the required standards of quality, safety and efficacy.

A breakdown of the 821 product seizure entries showed that cosmetics accounted for the highest number, with 401 entries, followed by drinks with 215 and drugs with 112.

The agency clarified that the figures represented the distribution of reported enforcement activities across product categories and did not, by themselves, indicate the physical quantities or monetary value of products seized.

Cosmetics accounted for 64 of the 179 recorded establishment closures or sealing actions, while drinks featured in 67 of the 213 raids conducted during the period. Beyond raids and seizures, the agency’s enforcement activities included placing products on hold, collecting and submitting samples for laboratory analysis, interrogating suspects and referring cases for legal action where applicable.

These measures are intended to help identify suspected regulatory violations, gather evidence, prevent the continued distribution of potentially harmful products, and ensure that appropriate action is taken in line with applicable laws and regulations.

NAFDAC said effective enforcement involves more than raids and seizures, requiring surveillance, investigation, evidence gathering, laboratory analysis where necessary, due process and the application of appropriate administrative or judicial sanctions.

It noted that the conclusion of 295 cases during the period reflected the continuous work of the Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement in processing reported cases and pursuing regulatory action.

The agency said it would continue to strengthen collaboration with relevant government institutions, law enforcement agencies, state task forces and other stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering, enhance compliance and tackle the circulation of unregistered, falsified, substandard and unsafe regulated products.