In a statement released on Wednesday via its official X account, the agency said it acted on reliable intelligence to carry out separate enforcement operations at locations within the Trade Fair Complex and Lagos Island, seizing more than 1,800 cartons of fake products.

According to the statement, “Following credible intelligence, enforcement teams carried out raids at Zamfara Plaza in the Trade Fair Complex and on Lagos Island, confiscating over 1,800 cartons of counterfeit and adulterated alcoholic beverages estimated to be worth about ₦350 million.

“At the Trade Fair Complex site, officials uncovered makeshift manufacturing arrangements, including plastic mixing containers, locally assembled filtration equipment, empty branded bottles, bottle caps, and packaging supplies used in producing and packaging imitation alcoholic drinks.”

It further noted, “A related operation on Lagos Island resulted in the arrest of an individual connected to the illegal production and sale of fake drinks through a retail outlet. All seized items have been taken away for further regulatory procedures.”

NAFDAC cautioned that consuming adulterated alcoholic beverages can lead to severe health consequences, such as poisoning, damage to vital organs, and even death.

The agency reaffirmed its resolve to bring those responsible to justice and advised consumers to buy only from approved vendors.

It also encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its toll-free number: 0800-1-NAFDAC (0800-1-623322).

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The students’ union leaders led by their National President, Comrade Sola Oladoja, made the commitment on Tuesday 21st April 2026 when they paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja where they equally reaffirmed their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his re-election in 2027.

During the visit, Oladoja commended Marwa for his dynamic leadership and the Agency’s relentless successes against drug cartels. He specifically lauded his commitment to safeguarding the lives of Nigerian students through the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy initiative, which has been instrumental in raising awareness across tertiary institutions.

Reaffirming the association’s support for the NDLEA and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, Oladoja stated that the students’ backing of the current administration is rooted in tangible pro-youth achievements. These, he noted, include the successful implementation of student loans, the resolution of industrial strikes in tertiary institutions, and various youth empowerment schemes.

In his response, Marwa expressed his long-standing pride in the Nigerian student body, noting that his relationship with them has remained strong due to their consistent support across his various national assignments.

According to him, “As a critical sector of the Nigerian polity, what you said about your appreciation of the gains of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and your commitment to support his re-election in 2027 gladdens my heart.”

Addressing the specific challenge of drug prevalence in schools, the NDLEA boss emphasized the need for a collaborative front to sanitize the academic environment. “We need to work with you on our efforts to rid our campuses of drug abuse because of the consequences to students’ health, their aspirations, and even their families, as well as the society at large,” Marwa added.

Speaking on the recently introduced Federal Government Drug Integrity Test Policy for students, Marwa explained that the measure is strictly protective rather than punitive. He stated that the policy is designed in the best interest of the youth, as early detection of drug use makes treatment and rehabilitation far more effective.

The visit ended with a mutual commitment to deepen the partnership between NDLEA and NANS in the ongoing crusade against substance abuse on Nigerian campuses.

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Prof Adeyeye gave the admonition at a stakeholders’ engagement on the draft NAFDAC Reduction of Sodium in Pre-Packaged Foods Regulations 2026where she noted that excessive sodium intake has been identified as one of the leading dietary risk factors contributing to these conditions.

According to her, the World Health Organisation has continued to emphasize sodium reduction as one of the cost-effective strategies for improving population heath and preventing premature deaths from non-communicable diseases.  

In Nigeria, Prof Adeyeye said, changing dietary patterns, rapid urbanisation, and increased consumption of processed and pre-packaged foods have significantly contributed to higher sodium intake among our population.

She added that recognising this emerging public health concern, the Federal Government – through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and NAFDAC – has taken proactive steps to address this challenge.

She maintained that the Reduction of Sodium in Pe-Packaged Foods Regulations  2026 is a key component of broader strategies  to promote healthier diets and prevent non-communicable diseases, adding that these regulations aim to establish maximum sodium limits in selected categories of processed and pre-packaged foods, ensure clear and transparent labelling of sodium content, and encourage product reformulation by food manufacturers so that consumers can make healthier dietary choices.  

The NAFDAC boss, however, pointed out that, regulations alone cannot achieve the desired impact without the active participation of all stakeholders, stressing that the food industry especially plays a central role in reformulating products to reduce sodium content while maintaining safety, quality, and consumer acceptability.

At the same time, she emphasized that regulators, researchers, public health advocates, and consumer organisations must work collaboratively to ensure implementation, monitoring and compliance. Cardiovascular Unit, University of Abuja that was present at the Meeting has worked closely with the FMOH&SW and NAFDAC on sodium reduction is in support of the regulations.

Partners such as Network for Health Equity and Development NHED resolve to Save Lives and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa CAPPA who were present and supported the stakeholders’ engagement underscored the importance of reducing sodium intake as a means of preventing non-communicable diseases.  

She added that the stakeholder engagement therefore provides an invaluable platform to:

• Present and clarify the key provisions of the proposed regulations.

• Obtain constructive feedback from industry and other stakeholders.

• Identify practical strategies for implementation.

• Strengthen collaboration in advancing healthier food environments in Nigeria.

At NAFDAC, DG explained, ‘we recognise that regulatory reforms must be evidence-based, transparent, and inclusive. Our goal is not to disrupt industry operations, but to work with all partners to create a food system that supports both public health and sustainable economy.’

Prof Adeyeye stated that the reduction of sodium in our food supply is not merely a regulatory obligation – it is a national health priority, adding that ‘by taking decisive action today, we are protecting future generations from preventable diseases and improving the overall wellbeing of Nigerians.’

The Director, Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FSAN), Mrs Eva Edwards, corroborated the DG’s position as she stated that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain a major public health concern in Nigeria, with cardiovascular diseases accounting for a significant proportion of morbidity and mortality.

For adults, she disclosed that the World Health Organization recommends a daily sodium intake of less than 2 grams, equivalent to 5 grams of salt (< 1 teaspoon of salt daily).

She however, revealed that available data indicate that the average salt consumption in Nigeria is approximately 10 grams per day, about twice the WHO daily recommendation, adding that   this excessive intake poses a serious risk to public health, particularly in the context of the increasing consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods, which are major contributors to dietary sodium intake.

‘Pre-packaged foods constitute a substantial and growing proportion of daily dietary intake, especially in urban settings. While these foods provide convenience and accessibility, they also contribute significantly to excessive sodium consumption, driving the scourge of cardiovascular diseases,’ adding that It is therefore imperative that deliberate and evidence-based measures are implemented to reduce sodium levels in these products.

While sodium is essential for normal physiological functions such as nerve transmission, fluid balance, and muscle function, she warned that the quantity required by the body is minimal, noting that current consumption levels far exceed physiological needs, thereby increasing the risk of hypertension, stroke, heart disease, and kidney-related conditions.

She disclosed that evidence from the National Multi-sectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (2019–2025) indicates that mean sodium intake in Nigeria ranges from approximately 2.85 g/day to 10 g/day – highlighting the urgent need for targeted regulatory and public health interventions.

‘The National Multi-sectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases further identifies unhealthy diets as a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases and notes the ongoing dietary transition towards increased consumption of processed foods high in sodium, sugar, and trans fats.’

In recognition of this growing public health challenge, and as part of efforts to reduce sodium intake, Mrs Edwards stated that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoH&SW) initiated the development of the National Guidelines for Sodium Reduction, which provides specific sodium benchmarks for various food categories.

She said this is aimed at promoting the reformulation of processed foods and encouraging the production of healthier options aligned with national health goals.

She emphasised that the draft NAFDAC Reduction of Sodium in Pre-Packaged Foods Regulations therefore incorporates a phased sodium reduction strategy, beginning with an initial 15% reduction target and progressing toward the national target which is aligned with the WHO global target of achieving a 30% reduction in population sodium intake by 2030.

According to Mrs Edwards, the Sodium Reduction Regulations represent a strategic regulatory response to meet the national target and address the public health concern of high sodium intake, stressing that the objective is to guide the food industry towards gradual product reformulation and the promotion of healthier food environments, without compromising product quality or consumer acceptance, ultimately to protect the health of consumers.

Noting that government alone cannot achieve this, Mrs Edwards stated that it requires the collective effort of policymakers, regulators, the food industry, public health advocates, academia, and consumers.

The Director General rounded up the meeting by emphasizing the importance of the stakeholders meeting stating that inputs received are used to further edit the draft regulations before the document goes to the NAFDAC Governing Council for further assessment.

Thereafter, the regulations are given additional review by FMoH&SW and Ministry of Justice before gazetting.  Meanwhile, the food industry is made aware of the development of the regulations and the expectations in the planned phased reduction of sodium content in processed foods as means of prevention of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and other heart diseases in the population.

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The convicts are Otuorimuno Nelson Aziakpono, aged 58, and Ikegwuonu Davidson Ikechukwu, aged 28.

Hon Justice Allagoa.J. of the Federal High Courtfound them guilty of offences linked to the production, possession, sale, and distribution of adulterated and unregistered alcoholic drinks within Lagos.

The conviction followed an enforcement operation carried out on December 3, 2025, at Kojo Street, Ijanikin, and Vespa Market, where the illegal activities were uncovered. During the operation, authorities discovered large quantities of counterfeit and unregistered alcoholic beverages.

Items recovered during the raid include Hennessy V.S.O.P, Hennessy Very Special, Jameson Irish Whiskey, William Lawson Blended Scotch Whisky, and Gordon’s Dry Gin, which were found to be counterfeit, unwholesome, unregistered, or misleadingly packaged.

Following their arrest, the two suspects were charged on eight counts. These charges bordered on the possession of unwholesome products, the manufacture of counterfeit alcoholic beverages, and the distribution and sale of fake drinks, all in violation of relevant laws.

“The defendants were charged on eight counts bordering on possession of unwholesome products, manufacture and distribution of counterfeit beverages, and related offences under applicable laws,” the statement said.

The case was prosecuted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, which restated its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that unsafe products do not find their way into the market.

NAFDAC warned that adulterated alcoholic beverages pose serious health risks to consumers and stressed that the agency will continue to intensify enforcement actions across the country to clamp down on such illegal activities.

The agency also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products or activities to the nearest NAFDAC office, noting that public cooperation is crucial in the fight against counterfeit and harmful goods.

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In a counter-affidavit filed on February 23, 2026, the ministry, through its counsel, Jumoke Motilayo Falaye, said it neither interferes with nor controls NAFDAC’s enforcement decisions, stressing that the ministry is not an enforcement arm of the Federal Government.

The ministry explained that NAFDAC is a statutory agency established under the NAFDAC Act with clearly defined regulatory and enforcement powers over food, drugs, and related products, including alcoholic beverages.

It argued that it lacks the legal authority to direct, restrain, or halt NAFDAC from carrying out its statutory mandate. The ministry further stated that the Minister of Health and Social Welfare has not granted any further extension of the moratorium on the enforcement of existing regulations, including the sachet alcohol ban.

According to the affidavit, NAFDAC’s enforcement powers are derived from Sections 5 and 30 of the NAFDAC Act and other applicable regulations, adding that all decisions relating to enforcement fall squarely within the agency’s jurisdiction. The ministry also dismissed claims of ministerial interference in NAFDAC’s enforcement processes as speculative and unsupported by evidence.

The suit, marked FHC/L/CS/2568/25, was instituted by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) against the Minister of Health and Social Welfare as the first defendant and the Attorney-General of the Federation, representing the Federal Government and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, as the second defendant.

The action was filed on SERAP’s behalf by Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo (SAN), alongside other lawyers from Tayo Oyetibo LP.

SERAP is seeking declarations that the sachet alcohol ban is a valid regulation under the NAFDAC Act and that the Minister of Health lacks the legal authority to grant or extend any moratorium on its enforcement. The group is also urging the court to affirm that federal authorities must not interfere with NAFDAC’s enforcement responsibilities and must ensure the nationwide implementation of the ban.

Specifically, SERAP is asking for an injunction restraining the defendants and their agents from extending any moratorium on the prohibition, as well as a perpetual injunction preventing any directive capable of hindering NAFDAC from enforcing the ban in line with its statutory duties.

In its originating summons dated December 15, 2025, SERAP argued that continued delay in enforcing the ban violates existing health and regulatory laws, as well as prior agreements supporting a nationwide prohibition of sachet alcohol.

The organisation maintained that sachet alcohol—often inexpensive, highly potent, and widely accessible—has contributed significantly to rising alcohol abuse, particularly among young people and low-income communities.

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The enforcement action followed credible intelligence that led the agency’s Investigation and Enforcement team to facilities located around Ndazabo White House along Minna Road and behind Bida Modern Market, where thousands of expired items allegedly packaged for distribution were discovered.

Items recovered during the raid included expired non-alcoholic beverages, dairy milk, candies, bottled water and pasta, some of which were already packaged for distribution.

 According to the agency, about 80,000 packets of expired non-alcoholic drinks, 5,000 packets of dairy milk, 16,000 packets of bottled water, 28 cartons of pasta and other assorted expired products were uncovered during the operation.

 Managers of the affected warehouses were arrested for interrogation, during which preliminary findings linked the facilities to a company identified as BY Ventures. This prompted NAFDAC officials to extend their operation to supermarkets owned by the company in Minna, where additional expired products and counterfeit Goya oil were allegedly found.

 Both supermarkets were subsequently sealed, while the Managing Director of the company, Alhaji Yusuf Nadabo, was invited for further questioning. The agency said he admitted ownership of the expired products during interrogation.

 NAFDAC stated that investigations are ongoing and that appropriate regulatory sanctions would be imposed at the conclusion of the process to serve as a deterrent to others.

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The agency in a statement released today  described the publication as false and misleading, stating that it has not received any official communication ordering a halt to its regulatory activities.

NAFDAC operates strictly within the ambit of its statutory mandate and in alignment with duly communicated Federal Government policies and directives. At no time has the Agency received any formal directive ordering the suspension of its regulatory or enforcement activities in respect of sachet alcohol products.

The Agency remains committed to safeguarding public health, ensuring regulatory compliance, and carrying out its responsibilities transparently and in accordance with established laws and due process. Any decision affecting national regulatory actions will be communicated through official government channels.

NAFDAC therefore urges members of the public, industry stakeholders, and the media to disregard the false report and to rely only on verified information issued through the Agency’s official platforms and authorised government communication channels.

The Agency also cautions against the dissemination of unverified information capable of causing unnecessary public anxiety, economic uncertainty, or misinterpretation of government policy.

NAFDAC remains steadfast in its commitment to public health, economic stability, and national interest.

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This is contained in a circular issued on January 26, 2026, by the Trade and Exchange Department to authorized Dealer Banks (ADBs) and the general public, published on its official website,

According to the apex regulator, the temporary approval became necessary due to the ongoing transition from the legacy NICIS II system and challenges faced by importers in validating or renewing NAFDAC licences on the new B’Odogwu platform after December 2025.

The circular was signed by Aliyu M. Ashiru,  Director of the Trade and Exchange Department.

The CBN directed all Authorised Dealer Banks to continue accepting NAFDAC licences that expired on December 31, 2025, strictly for the purpose of processing Forms M during the dispensation period.

Banks were also instructed to ensure full compliance with the terms of the approval, noting that the arrangement will lapse on February 28, 2026.

The CBN said the move is aimed at preventing disruptions to trade processes while NAFDAC completes the integration of its systems with the National Single Window platform.

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The event followed a joint operation that led to the destruction of 206 containers and a trailer-load of unwholesome pharmaceuticals and narcotics. Ribadu also acknowledged the conclusion of a major review assignment involving 50 containers under investigation, describing the collaboration as a model for inter-agency synergy in national security.

The NSA praised the efforts of all involved, commending their unwavering commitment to national safety and the protection of public health.

“This is an acknowledgment of the good work you’ve been doing. Nigeria is changing. It won’t be business as usual anymore. We’ll go after the criminals who bring these poisons into our country.” Ribadu said.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted that the Service had earlier declared a state of emergency on the trafficking of illicit pharmaceuticals. He added that the collaborative effort between agencies, supported by the NSA, enabled swift identification and destruction of dangerous substances.

“We are stronger together,” the CGC noted. “And we will remain vigilant to ensure these substances never make it into the wrong hands.”

Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, stated that the operation aligns with Nigeria’s National Action Plan against drug abuse and illegal pharmaceutical imports. She disclosed that more than 1,300 security personnel had been deployed under the NSA’s directive to support NAFDAC, NDLEA, and Customs operations across the country.

“These unregistered and unwholesome products are a danger to our women and children,” she warned. “Our continued collaboration with Customs and NDLEA is saving lives.” she added.

NDLEA representative, Shadrac Haruna, also acknowledged the role of an inter-agency committee initiated by the CGC, which they say, has greatly supported efforts to keep drugs off the streets and dismantle illegal warehouses.

As a mark of appreciation, plaques and letters of commendation were presented to the CGC, the DG of NAFDAC, and the NDLEA Chairman represented. The NSA was also presented with a Certificate of Destruction for the seized substances, a symbolic gesture underscoring the country’s commitment to eradicating illicit drugs.

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The National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has called for exclusive breastfeeding for newborns to increase health status and lower the risk of ovarian cancers for mothers.

NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, gave the advised  during the celebration of the 2024 World Breastfeeding week in Lagos, with the theme: “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All. “

She said that the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of a baby’s birth until the first six months.

She said “after the six months of exclusive breastfeeding, it should be complemented with safe and appropriate foods, while breastfeeding continues for up to two years or beyond.”

The director-general said breastfed babies had stronger immunity, face lower risk of suffering many childhood illnesses and infections.

The NAFDAC 0added that the situation was also associated with longer-term health benefits, including higher Intelligence Quotient (IQ) for infants that were exclusively breastfed.

She said that the World Breastfeeding week was celebrated annually to create awareness and generate support for improved breastfeeding practices for infants and young children.

Adeyeye said that the theme of this year’s celebration highlighted the need to improve breastfeeding support to reduce health inequities with a special focus on breast feeding in times of emergencies and crises.

She said that the theme also highlighted the need to protect the right of mothers and babies to survive and thrive.

She  said that it was the collective responsibility of all to ensure that every mother received the support she needed to make breastfeeding a successful and fulfilling experience.

The director-general decried lack of support for women to optimally breastfeed their babies.

She cited limited access to trained personnel,  empathetic and respectful health advice, and counseling throughout the woman’s breastfeeding journey as part of the challenge.

She revealed that the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey of 2018, showed that 97 per cent of children were breastfed in Nigeria at one point or the other.

According to her,  only 42 per cent of the children were breastfed within one hour of birth.

She further disclosed that the proportion of children 0-6 months who were exclusively breastfed is 29 per cent.

“The 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey puts the figure for exclusive breastfeeding at approximately 34 per cent,” she said.

She expressed delight that both figures showed improvement in national exclusive breastfeeding figures from the previous 17 per cent.

She, however, said that the figure still fell short of the WHO’s target of increasing exclusive breastfeeding rate to at least 50 per cent by the year 2025.

‘’This therefore calls for action from all of us in our respective capacities as breastfeeding actors to accelerate progress and scale optimal breastfeeding practices in order to achieve the global target.

“Mothers need support like food supplementation, from the health system, family members, community members, and from the work place. This support is critical to the success of breastfeeding, ” she said.

She said that breastfeeding played significant role in the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 3,  which address ending hunger, improving nutrition and promoting health and wellbeing.

She further disclosed that breastfeeding was one of the critical pathways to reducing under-five mortality, and is the baby’s first food system.

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