Cosmetics Top Fake Products as NAFDAC Seals 179 Establishments, Arrests 52

Fake and substandard cosmetics accounted for the largest number of product seizure entries recorded by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) between January and August 2026, as the agency intensified its nationwide crackdown on counterfeit and unsafe products.

NAFDAC recorded 401 cosmetics seizure entries during the eight-month period, ahead of drinks, with 215 entries, and drugs, with 112, according to an enforcement report released on Wednesday, October 14.

The agency also reported 213 raids, 474 new cases, 295 concluded cases, 821 product seizure entries, 179 establishments closed or sealed, and 52 arrests during the period.

The figures were disclosed by NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, in a statement detailing the activities of the agency’s Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement.

The enforcement operations covered a broad range of regulated products, including food, medicines, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, beverages and chemicals.

The agency said it also carried out 157 surveillance activities, imposed 218 administrative sanctions and conducted 22 product destruction exercises between January and August.

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The report further showed that cosmetics accounted for 64 of the 179 establishments closed or sealed, while drinks accounted for 67 of the 213 raids conducted during the period.

NAFDAC clarified that the seizure figures represented product seizure entries rather than the physical quantity or monetary value of goods confiscated. The numbers therefore indicate the frequency with which product categories appeared in enforcement records, not necessarily the total volume of items seized.

The prominence of cosmetics in the figures raises concerns about the circulation of counterfeit, unregistered and substandard beauty products in Nigeria. Unsafe cosmetics can expose consumers to harmful ingredients, contamination and misleading product claims, particularly when products are manufactured or sold outside regulatory controls.

Some skin-lightening and medicated cosmetic products have previously been seized by NAFDAC during enforcement operations. The agency has repeatedly warned consumers to exercise caution when buying products from unverified suppliers and to check registration details before use.

In February 2026, NAFDAC reported uncovering banned, counterfeit and unregistered cosmetic products valued at more than ₦3 billion in a warehouse at the APT Trade Fair Complex in Lagos. The products included prohibited whitening soaps and other cosmetic items.

The latest enforcement figures also come amid wider concerns over counterfeit medicines and adulterated food and beverages. NAFDAC has warned that falsified products may contain incorrect ingredients, harmful substances or ingredients that do not meet required quality and safety standards.

The agency’s enforcement directorate continued investigations, surveillance, raids and legal processes during the eight-month period. Of the 474 new cases recorded, 295 were concluded, while 52 arrests were made.

NAFDAC has maintained that sustained enforcement is necessary to disrupt the manufacture, importation and distribution of unsafe products and protect consumers from potential harm.

Consumers are advised to buy cosmetics and other regulated products from reputable outlets, inspect packaging and labelling, and verify product registration through NAFDAC’s official channels. Suspicious products or suspected counterfeiting activities can also be reported to the agency.

The figures underline the scale of enforcement activity required to tackle fake cosmetics and other unsafe products in Nigeria, while highlighting the need for continued surveillance, consumer awareness and accountability across the supply chain.