728 cartons of Crusader soap, 718 cartons of E45 soap, and large amounts of Extract Gold whitening soaps—brands that the federal government had previously prohibited because of safety concerns—were among the products found. At the APT Trade Fair Complex in Lagos State, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) discovered a warehouse filled with illegal, fake, and unlicensed cosmetics worth more than N3 billion.
The agency said that the facility, which was hidden within an incomplete structure, was used to store goods for distribution while avoiding regulatory examination in a post published on Sunday via its X account.
728 cartons of Crusader soap, 718 cartons of E45 soap, and large amounts of Extract Gold whitening soaps—brands that the federal government had previously prohibited because of safety concerns—were among the products found.
Additionally, NAFDAC discovered a variety of body oils, cooking oils, and perfumes.
These items have been put on hold for more regulatory review, according to the FDA. All of the confiscated goods have subsequently been removed from the market, it was mentioned.
According to the post, the warehouse manager has been asked to be questioned while the inquiry is ongoing.
Skin damage and exposure to dangerous chemicals are just two of the major health concerns associated with the sale and use of cosmetics that are prohibited and unregistered, according to NAFDAC.
Following the seizure of more than 10 million doses of counterfeit cosmetics and malaria medications, valued at over N3 billion, from a warehouse in Lagos' Trade Fair Market neighborhood, the agency declared in early February that it had conducted one of its most important enforcement operations.
During that investigation, NAFDAC inspectors discovered injectable anti-malarial medications, antibiotics, and items that had been banned in Nigeria for almost 15 years, including Postinor and Analgin, stored in alarming amounts in a three-story structure that was posing as a warehouse for spare parts.
Days after the Lagos operation, NAFDAC discovered massive amounts of expired food and beverage products worth over N100 million in Bida, Niger State, and sealed 18 warehouses.
Non-alcoholic drinks, dairy products, bottled water, candy, and pasta were among the expired goods discovered in establishments behind Bida Modern Market and along Minna Road near Ndazabo White House, according to officials.
Concerns about the entry of potentially dangerous chemicals have been voiced by NAFDAC on numerous occasions.
Officials claim that the Lagos warehouse's concealment within an incomplete building demonstrates the increasingly complex strategies operators are employing to evade regulatory oversight.
NAFDAC reaffirmed its dedication to ongoing enforcement while cautioning that violators will be prosecuted in accordance with applicable laws.
Additionally, the agency advised the public to exercise caution and notify the closest NAFDAC office of any suspect sales or storage of regulated goods.