In a decisive strike against the booming counterfeit market, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized illegal cosmetic products valued at ₦37 million in Abuja. The news, which broke through NAFDAC’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, has sent shockwaves through the industry as authorities intensify their crackdown on counterfeit goods.
This bold operation is part of NAFDAC’s ongoing campaign to rid the Nigerian market of substandard and unapproved beauty products that have flooded the country, posing serious health risks to consumers. The seized products, which were mostly imported illegally, include a wide array of counterfeit skincare items, hair treatments, and cosmetics that have evaded regulatory checks.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance policy towards the proliferation of fake and harmful cosmetics. She emphasized that the crackdown is just the beginning of a larger nationwide operation aimed at safeguarding the health of Nigerians, particularly in the beauty and skincare industry.
“These counterfeit products are not only illegal but also dangerous. Many contain harmful chemicals that can cause severe skin reactions, and long-term health complications,” Prof. Adeyeye stated during a press briefing. “We are determined to protect the lives of Nigerians by ensuring that only safe, quality-assured products are available in the market.”
The operation, which was conducted in several parts of Abuja, saw NAFDAC officials, in collaboration with security agencies, storming warehouses and distribution outlets where the illicit products were stored. The agency has vowed to continue monitoring and regulating the influx of cosmetics into Nigeria, warning that stiff penalties await anyone caught engaging in the illegal trade.
The Nigerian public has long been concerned about the growing number of fake cosmetic products that have made their way into homes across the country, and this latest move by NAFDAC is being hailed as a significant step towards addressing the problem. Consumers have been urged to be vigilant and report suspicious products to NAFDAC, as the agency ramps up its efforts to clean up the market.
With counterfeit cosmetics posing both health and economic threats, NAFDAC’s aggressive stance signals that it is ready to take the fight to illegal operators, ensuring that Nigerian shelves are stocked only with approved and safe beauty products. The public now waits to see how far this crackdown will go and if it will inspire a broader change in consumer safety standards across the country.
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