NAFDAC Seizes N1.7bn Expired, Toxic Chemicals In Lagos
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Regulation (NAFDAC) has discovered expired and hazardous chemicals valued at over N1 billion during a raid at Folarin Olawale Cole Close in the Alapere-Ketu area of Lagos State.
The agency labeled the seizure as one of the largest and most perilous in recent times, noting they posed severe risks to public health and the nation’s security.
Addressing the media after the operation, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement and Head, Federal Task Force on Counterfeit and Substandard Goods, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, described the raid as a significant and unparalleled find.
Iluyomade revealed that the three warehouses targeted were packed with banned, expired, and highly toxic chemicals, many intended for use in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.
“What we saw here is shocking. All expired. Some marked ‘Not for Sale.’ These are chemicals that should only be in government custody, not in the hands of private individuals,” he stated.
Iluyomade highlighted that such chemicals in the possession of unauthorized individuals could exacerbate insecurity.
“Chemicals in the wrong hands are dangerous. They can be used to make bombs or other hazardous items. This is not just public health issue, it is a national security threat,” he affirmed.
He further elaborated that NAFDAC is broadening its enforcement scope to encompass raw materials, beyond just finished goods.
“If you use the wrong raw materials, the finished product is already wrong. We are taking a holistic approach from production inputs to final products to protect Nigerians,” he said.
“This case is mind-boggling. One person owns all three warehouses and several outlets. He is not just selling expired chemicals, he is supplying others. It’s a supply chain of danger,” Iluyomade added.
He, however, committed that the agency would pursue all individuals linked to the illicit operation.
“This is just the beginning. We will ensure this serves as a deterrent to others poisoning the public for profit.”
NAFDAC’s Director of Chemical Evaluation and Research, Dr. Leonardo Omopariola, disclosed that the operation was triggered by anonymous intelligence received by the agency.
“We launched an internal investigation based on a tip-off. Once we confirmed the location, we moved in swiftly this morning,” he said.
He described the conditions inside the warehouses and the surrounding environment as a catastrophe zone.
Omopariola raised alarm that some of the expired substances were food-grade chemicals.
“These are chemicals used in producing what people eat. Once expired, their composition is altered, and what they’re manufacturing is no longer food. It’s poison,” he stated.
He noted that some items discovered were labeled as donations and not for sale.
“There were boxes labelled ‘Donated – Not for Sale.’ How did they end up here? Someone is diverting products meant to help the public,” he said.
He estimated the economic worth of the confiscated items to be between N700 million and N1 billion.
“And they’re all expired. That tells you the magnitude of this operation,” he said.
He pointed out that some substances, including caustic soda, are regulated chemicals.
“You need NAFDAC approval to store or distribute these. This individual has no such permit from us. The fact that everything is expired suggests they were illegally sourced.”
Two suspects were also apprehended in connection with the seizures as
Omopariola vowed that the agency would hunt down every person implicated.
NAFDAC also urged the public to support the agency in curbing such criminal activities,
“We have a whistleblower policy. If you suspect anyone is selling expired or hazardous products, report to us.
“You don’t have to give your name. Your identity will be protected, and there’s even a reward. This is about saving lives and safeguarding our environment,” Omopariola said.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
