KEY POINTS

• NAFDAC uncovered a hidden Lagos warehouse containing fake and banned goods worth about ₦3 billion.
• Hundreds of cartons of prohibited soaps and other products were seized and removed to stop distribution.
• Authorities have launched an investigation and warned the public about the health risks of counterfeit products.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has uncovered a concealed warehouse in Lagos State stocked with counterfeit and prohibited products valued at approximately ₦3 billion.

According to the agency, the facility was discreetly located inside an unfinished building within the APT Trade Fair Complex area, a strategy believed to have been used to avoid detection by regulators and law-enforcement authorities.

NAFDAC officials reported recovering hundreds of cartons of banned cosmetic products, including:

• 728 cartons of Crusader soap
• 718 cartons of E45 soap
• Large quantities of Extract Gold whitening soap

The agency noted that these products have been prohibited by federal authorities due to safety and regulatory concerns. In addition, officials discovered assorted perfumes, body oils, and cooking oils at the site.

These items have been placed under regulatory hold pending further scientific and safety evaluation.

Products Removed to Stop Distribution

To prevent the goods from entering the market, NAFDAC confirmed that all seized products have been evacuated from the warehouse. The agency also stated that the facility’s manager has been summoned for questioning as investigations continue and possible enforcement actions are considered.

NAFDAC warned that counterfeit and banned products can pose serious health dangers, including skin damage, toxic exposure, and long-term medical complications. The agency urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious products or storage facilities to the nearest NAFDAC office.