The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning over the rising influx of prohibited food products, including pasta, noodles, sugar, and tomato paste, illegally circulating in Nigerian markets.
In a notice issued on Saturday, NAFDAC described a “disturbing increase” in the smuggling, sale, and distribution of items listed on the Customs Prohibition List, which are not permitted for importation into the country.
Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye said the circulation of such products undermines national trade laws and poses serious public health risks, as the items have not undergone NAFDAC’s mandatory safety and quality checks.
The agency has intensified enforcement and directed importers, supermarkets, and open-market traders to immediately stop the importation, sale, or distribution of all banned products. Stakeholders were also instructed to notify their supply chain partners and withdraw any involvement with the affected items.
NAFDAC warned that non-compliance will attract strict penalties, including seizure and destruction of goods, suspension or revocation of licences, and prosecution.
It further called for coordinated action from key government agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Immigration Service, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Ports Authority, to curb the movement of prohibited food items into the country.
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and urged full cooperation from stakeholders to support ongoing enforcement efforts.
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