Lagos — The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered an alleged illegal operation involving fake and expired food-grade chemicals, flavours, fertilisers, and pharmaceutical raw materials valued at over ₦1 billion in Alapere, Ketu, Lagos.
The agency confirmed the arrest of three suspects and the sealing of three warehouses during the raid, which was led by NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade.
“This operation is part of ongoing efforts to protect public health,” Iluyomade said. “These individuals, under the guise of legitimate business, were distributing expired raw materials, including food-grade chemicals, some of which go directly into consumables, making them hazardous.”
He added that the team discovered fertilisers that require clearance from the Office of the National Security Adviser but were being sold without authorization. Also found were expired food additives stored inside a vehicle, raising concerns about the role of certain licensed importers in the supply chain.
“We will investigate the companies involved. No one aiding this criminal trade will go unpunished,” Iluyomade stated, confirming that the warehouses were owned by a single individual.
Dr. Leonard Omokpariola, Director of Chemical Evaluation and Research, said confiscated items included caustic soda, urea fertiliser, propylene glycol, and metronidazole benzoate — a pharmaceutical active ingredient. He described the storage conditions as unsafe and condemned the operation as a severe threat to public health.
NAFDAC said further investigations are ongoing and pledged to hold all responsible parties accountable.
