The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized counterfeit malaria drugs valued at over N1.2 billion in Lagos State.
In a statement released on Friday, September 12, 2025, the agency said its enforcement officers intercepted 277 cartons of unregistered Malamal Forte malaria drugs at a warehouse in Ilasa-Oshodi.
The counterfeit medicines were disguised in cartons labelled as Diclofenac Potassium 50mg and had been illegally imported from Shanxi Tianyuan Pharmaceuticals Group in China.
According to NAFDAC, the drugs were also falsely declared as spare parts in the shipping container to evade detection. Sahara Reporters reported.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, confirmed the operation and stressed that the agency is determined to rid Nigeria’s pharmaceutical market of substandard and falsified medicines.
She noted that the Presidency and the Federal Ministry of Health have given full support to these nationwide clampdowns.
Adeyeye warned that counterfeit malaria drugs pose serious public health risks, given that malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in Nigeria.
Don’t Miss This:
NAFDAC Seals Shine Shine Skincare Factory in Lagos Over Illegal Bleaching Cosmetics
“This seizure is part of NAFDAC’s sustained nationwide operation to protect public health and ensure only safe, quality medicines are available to Nigerians,” she said.
The latest interception follows a similar operation earlier this year, where counterfeit antimalarial drugs valued at over N3 billion were seized at Onne Port in Rivers State.
That consignment, also imported illegally and concealed under false labelling, was traced to a West African syndicate.
NAFDAC has continued to urge importers and distributors to desist from trafficking fake medicines, warning that such illicit practices compromise healthcare standards and endanger millions of lives.
The agency also encouraged members of the public to stay alert and promptly report suspicious drug products.
Don’t Miss This:
NAFDAC Seizes Over N1.5 Billion Worth of Banned and Expired Goods in Lagos Market Raid
Image Credit: New National Star
