The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) announced on Wednesday the seizure of 87 truckloads of banned, expired, and substandard medicinal products, including antiretroviral drugs and condoms donated by USAID and the UNFPA. This crackdown is part of a broader effort to curb the illegal drug trade and improve regulatory compliance.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, revealed the alarming details of the operation, which involved raids across major drug markets in Nigeria, including Ariaria and Eziukwu in Aba, the Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, and the Idumota Market in Lagos. The confiscated items include large quantities of expired and improperly stored donated medicines, such as antiretroviral drugs meant to support the country’s fight against HIV/AIDS.
According to Adeyeye, the seized products were discovered in conditions that could compromise their safety and efficacy. “Some of the products were stored in extreme temperatures, such as in toilets, under staircases, and on rooftops,” she explained. “These environments do not meet the required cold chain storage standards and could easily denature the medicines.”
The operation, which began on February 9, 2025, has been described as NAFDAC’s largest and most significant enforcement action in history. The agency has removed an estimated ₦1 trillion worth of illicit medical products from the market, though this figure could rise once the operation concludes. More than 40 arrests have been made, with those detained facing prosecution for their involvement in the illegal trade.
Adeyeye emphasized the growing danger posed by counterfeit drugs, including narcotics such as Tramadol and Diazepam, which have the potential to destabilize the country’s security situation. “The quantity of controlled substances seized in this operation is enough to wreak havoc on public health and safety,” she said, stressing that these drugs were found in harsh storage conditions, further increasing the risk of chemical degradation.
NAFDAC’s crackdown is part of its National Action Plan 2.0 (2023-2027), which aims to eliminate counterfeit medicines, improve regulatory compliance, and safeguard public health. The operation involved over 1,100 security operatives, including military personnel, police, and agents from the Department of State Services.
In addition to the drug seizures, NAFDAC has created a database of over 7,000 shops screened during the operation. While shops with non-violative products are being reopened, those found in violation of regulations are being charged and will face further action. Prof. Adeyeye also revealed that NAFDAC and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria plan to relocate these markets to Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWCs) across the country over the next year.
The NAFDAC DG also shared that the crackdown has come at a personal cost. “I have been targeted by counterfeiters, and so have my staff,” she revealed, citing an attempted murder six months ago and the kidnapping of a staff member’s child. Adeyeye expressed concern for her safety, stating that she now lives with constant police protection. “We must continue our fight to save this country,” she said.
In light of these dangers, Adeyeye has called for stronger protections for NAFDAC staff and advocated for the death penalty for those found guilty of manufacturing and selling fake drugs in Nigeria. She emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between security agencies to ensure the safety of those fighting this critical battle.
