The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has escalated its efforts to enforce compliance with Nigeria’s regulatory standards, clamping down on businesses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that violate laws governing the sale, distribution, and labeling of regulated products. In a significant enforcement operation, NAFDAC sealed two Chinese supermarkets in the Jabi District of Abuja and eight cosmetics shops in Wuse Market, citing flagrant breaches of Nigeria’s food and drug regulations. This move underscores the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health by ensuring that only safe, registered, and properly labeled products are available in the Nigerian market.
The enforcement exercise, conducted on Friday, was spearheaded by NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate in collaboration with the Federal Taskforce on Counterfeit and Substandard Medicines and Unwholesome Processed Foods. Leading the operation was Mr. Musa Embugushiki, an Assistant Chief Regulatory Officer, who ensured that the actions were carried out with precision and in line with the agency’s mandate. According to a statement released by Mr. Adegboyega Osiyemi, NAFDAC’s Deputy Director of Public Relations and Protocol, the closures were prompted by credible consumer complaints and thorough surveillance by the agency’s enforcement team.
Violations at Chinese Supermarkets
The two Chinese supermarkets, located on Mike Akhigbe Way and Ebitu Ukiwe Street in the Jabi District, were found to be in violation of NAFDAC’s regulations on product registration and labeling. Investigations revealed that these outlets were selling unregistered food items and products labeled exclusively in the Chinese language, a direct contravention of NAFDAC’s mandatory labeling policy. This policy requires that all products intended for the Nigerian market include English translations to ensure clarity for consumers and compliance with regulatory standards. The absence of English labeling not only violates regulatory requirements but also poses significant risks to consumers who may be unaware of the contents, usage instructions, or potential side effects of these products.
At the supermarket on Ebitu Ukiwe Street, the foreign national managing the outlet initially resisted NAFDAC’s enforcement team, claiming that the supermarket had not yet commenced operations. However, the team’s investigation quickly debunked this claim, confirming that the outlet was fully operational and actively selling unregistered regulated products. This attempt to mislead the authorities further highlighted the need for stricter oversight of such businesses. The enforcement team promptly sealed both supermarkets, halting their operations and confiscating the offending products.
Crackdown on Cosmetics Shops in Wuse Market
In a related operation, NAFDAC turned its attention to Wuse Market, one of Abuja’s bustling commercial hubs, where eight cosmetics shops were sealed for selling banned, expired, and unregistered products. The shops were found to be dealing in a range of harmful cosmetics, aphrodisiacs, and aesthetic medicines, many of which were being marketed under false pretenses. Investigations uncovered that certain individuals operating these shops were illegally posing as dermatologists and pharmacists, misleading consumers by prescribing and selling products for body enhancement, skin whitening, and other aesthetic purposes, as well as so-called “manpower” products for men.
Among the seized products were Wenicks Capsules, Maxman Capsules, Boobs Enlargement products, Curvy Weight Gain supplements, Skin Whitening Vitamin Gummies, Collagen, Glutathione Whitening Gummies, White Doll, Dr. Gallery Plus, Maiz Zaki Syrup, Original Herbal Yellow Fever remedies, Sickle Cell Medicine, Dr. Nafisa Herbal Medicine, Dynewell Syrup, and White Blinks. These products, valued at over N170 million, were confiscated and evacuated by the enforcement team under the directive of NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye.
The proliferation of such unregistered and potentially harmful products in the market raises serious concerns about consumer safety. Many of these cosmetics and supplements contain dangerous chemicals and toxic substances linked to severe health risks, including skin cancer, kidney damage, irritability, and memory loss. By removing these products from circulation, NAFDAC aims to protect unsuspecting consumers from the adverse effects of unregulated substances.
NAFDAC’s Commitment to Public Health
Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, NAFDAC’s Director-General, has been vocal about the agency’s zero-tolerance policy for violations that endanger public health. In her directive to the enforcement team, she emphasized the importance of confiscating offending products and holding violators accountable. “We welcome legitimate trade partnerships from both Nigerians and foreign nationals, but we will not compromise on public health,” she stated, as quoted by Mr. Embugushiki. “Any act of selling unregistered or toxic products shall be met with strict regulatory action.”
The Director-General reiterated NAFDAC’s mandate to protect Nigerians from exposure to dangerous chemicals and toxic substances. She urged consumers to exercise caution and patronize only products that are duly registered by NAFDAC, as these have undergone rigorous testing to ensure their safety and efficacy. Additionally, she called on foreign nationals and investors intending to import or market products in Nigeria to visit NAFDAC offices nationwide for proper product registration and regulatory guidance. This, she noted, would help ensure compliance with Nigerian laws and prevent sanctions.
Public Advisory and Call to Action
NAFDAC has also issued a public advisory, encouraging Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious sales outlets or products to the nearest NAFDAC office. The agency emphasized that public cooperation is critical to its efforts to rid the market of substandard and harmful products. Consumers are advised to verify the registration status of products by checking for NAFDAC’s registration number, which is a hallmark of compliance with safety standards.
The closure of the Chinese supermarkets and cosmetics shops in Abuja is part of NAFDAC’s broader strategy to strengthen regulatory oversight across Nigeria. The agency has been intensifying its efforts to combat the sale of counterfeit, substandard, and unregistered products, which pose significant risks to public health. By targeting both large-scale operators, such as supermarkets, and smaller retail outlets, NAFDAC is sending a clear message that no violator will be spared, regardless of the scale of their operations.
Broader Implications for Regulatory Compliance
The recent enforcement actions in Abuja highlight the challenges of regulating a diverse and rapidly growing market like Nigeria’s. The influx of foreign products, particularly from countries with different regulatory standards, has made it increasingly difficult to ensure compliance with local laws. The sale of products labeled exclusively in foreign languages, such as Chinese, not only violates NAFDAC’s labeling requirements but also creates barriers to transparency and accountability. Consumers are left vulnerable to purchasing products whose contents and safety profiles are unknown, potentially leading to devastating health consequences.
Moreover, the proliferation of unregistered cosmetics and health supplements, often marketed with exaggerated claims, underscores the need for greater public awareness. The individuals posing as dermatologists and pharmacists in Wuse Market exploited consumers’ trust, selling products that could cause long-term harm. NAFDAC’s swift response in sealing these shops and confiscating their products demonstrates its proactive approach to addressing such deceptive practices.
Looking Ahead
As NAFDAC continues to ramp up its enforcement efforts, the agency is likely to face challenges in balancing regulatory oversight with the demands of a globalized market. The presence of foreign nationals operating businesses in Nigeria adds a layer of complexity, as cultural and linguistic differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings about local regulations. However, NAFDAC’s call for foreign investors to engage with its offices for guidance reflects a willingness to foster legitimate trade while maintaining strict standards.
The confiscation of products worth over N170 million is a significant step in curbing the circulation of harmful substances in Nigeria. It also serves as a deterrent to other businesses that may be tempted to flout regulations for profit. By maintaining a strong stance against unregistered and toxic products, NAFDAC is reinforcing its role as a guardian of public health.
In conclusion, NAFDAC’s recent enforcement actions in Abuja underscore its unwavering commitment to protecting Nigerians from the dangers of unregulated products. The closure of two Chinese supermarkets and eight cosmetics shops sends a powerful message to businesses operating in Nigeria: compliance with NAFDAC’s regulations is non-negotiable. As the agency continues to strengthen its oversight, it calls on consumers, businesses, and the public to work together to ensure a safer marketplace for all.