The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has seized 87 truckloads of banned, expired, and substandard medicinal products in a sweeping operation across Nigeria’s major drug markets.
Among the confiscated items were donated antiretroviral drugs, male and female condoms from USAID and UNFPA, as well as controlled substances such as Tramadol, Rohypnol, and Diazepam.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, revealing that the estimated value of the seized drugs stands at ₦1 trillion, with post-assessment figures expected to be higher.
She also expressed concerns for her safety and that of her staff, highlighting threats from drug counterfeiters.”One of our staff members in Kano had his child kidnapped because he was doing his job,” Adeyeye recounted.
“For my own safety, I have police officers stationed at my residence in both Abuja and Lagos. I can’t go anywhere without escorts, but this is a necessary sacrifice to protect public health.”
The operation, part of NAFDAC’s National Action Plan 2.0 (2023-2027), targeted illicit drug trade in Nigeria’s largest open drug markets, such as Ariaria and Eziukwu markets in Aba, Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, Idumota Drug Market in Lagos.
Investigations revealed shocking violations of storage and distribution regulations, including, Diversion of donated medical supplies meant for Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response.
Expired and repackaged drugs being sold for profit, Improper storage of temperature-sensitive medications such as vaccines and oxytocin injections, Pharmaceutical products found in unsanitary locations, including toilets, rooftops, and under Staircase.
Many of the seized drugs, while appearing genuine, were stored under extreme conditions, leading to chemical degradation and potential toxicity.
The crackdown, which began on February 9, 2025, involved 1,100 security personnel, including the military, police, and Department of State Services (DSS).
Security forces sealed off the markets to prevent traders from smuggling illegal products, resulting in: 40 arrests, with suspects facing Prosecution.
Over 7,000 shops screened, leading to the confiscation of falsified and substandard drug Warehouses, filled with unregistered and banned drugs discovered in the plumbing and wood plank sections of Bridge Head Market
NAFDAC is set to relocate drug traders to six Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWCs) across Nigeria within a year, ensuring stricter regulatory compliance.
Shop owners found with non-violative products will be allowed to reopen after signing commitments to move to the designated CWCs once completed.”This is the largest operation in NAFDAC’s history,” Adeyeye stated.
“After the crackdown, we will ensure the proper relocation of pharmaceutical traders to regulated environments.”
She also called for stronger penalties, including the death sentence for counterfeit drug producers and sellers, emphasizing the severe public health risks posed by fake and substandard medications.
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