The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a strong warning over the rising smuggling and distribution of prohibited food products across the country, describing the trend as a threat to public health and a violation of national trade laws.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Agency said products such as pasta, noodles, sugar, and tomato paste have been found in markets despite being listed on the Federal Government’s Customs Prohibition List.
“These products are expressly listed on the Federal Government’s Customs Prohibition List and are not permitted for importation,” NAFDAC said.
The Agency warned that the circulation of such items undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s food control system and exposes citizens to unsafe products.
“The circulation of these prohibited items violates national trade laws, undermines the integrity of the country’s food control system, and poses significant risks to public health,” the statement read.
“These products have not undergone the Agency’s mandatory safety evaluation and quality assurance processes.”
NAFDAC directed all importers, supermarket operators, open-market traders, and other stakeholders to immediately stop the importation, sale, and distribution of all items on the prohibition list.
Stakeholders were also advised to comply fully with NAFDAC regulations and alert their supply chain partners to discontinue any related transactions.
“Failure to comply will attract strict enforcement actions, including seizure and destruction of prohibited goods, suspension or revocation of operational licences, and prosecution in accordance with relevant laws,” the Agency warned.
The regulator further called on key government agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Shippers Council, SON, NIMASA, NPA, and NAQS, to strengthen collaboration to curb the circulation of unsafe products.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health.
“NAFDAC remains committed to safeguarding the health of Nigerians and ensuring strict adherence to regulatory standards,” she said, urging stakeholders to support ongoing enforcement efforts.