Regulatory Affairs
NAFDAC Seizes Counterfeit Alcoholic Beverages Worth Over ₦2 Billion in Lagos Raid
NAFDAC says it has uncovered more than 20 illegal stores allegedly involved in counterfeiting alcoholic beverages and revalidating expired drinks at Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, seizing products valued at over ₦2 billion.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has uncovered an alleged large-scale counterfeit alcoholic beverage operation at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, where operatives seized products valued at more than ₦2 billion during an enforcement operation on Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
According to the agency, its Investigation and Enforcement Directorate conducted the raid following credible intelligence, discovering more than 20 illegal stores allegedly used for counterfeiting beverages, revalidating expired drinks for resale and stockpiling banned imported products.
NAFDAC said two suspects were apprehended during the operation, while the seized products were evacuated from the premises.
Expired Drinks Allegedly Repackaged for Resale
The agency reported that its operatives encountered individuals allegedly blending counterfeit versions of popular alcoholic beverage brands and attempting to return expired or unsafe beverages to the market.
Reports from the operation also identified the suspected facility at Zamfara Plaza, within the BBA Trade Fair Complex, as a location where expired drinks and popular beverage brands were allegedly being revalidated.
The alleged activities raise concerns about the integrity of alcoholic beverages sold through retail outlets and other distribution channels. Counterfeit products may imitate legitimate brands, making it difficult for consumers to identify potentially unsafe drinks by appearance or packaging alone.
The investigation will be important in establishing the full extent of the operation, the origin of the products and whether any of the suspected beverages had entered the market.
Public Health Risks of Counterfeit Alcohol
The discovery highlights the potential health consequences of consuming alcoholic beverages whose ingredients, quality and production processes cannot be verified.
Where counterfeit drinks contain toxic adulterants, the consequences can be severe. The World Health Organization has documented outbreaks of methanol poisoning associated with adulterated alcoholic beverages. Methanol exposure can cause serious metabolic disturbances, visual impairment, blindness and death.
However, the presence of methanol or any other specific toxic substance in the products seized during this Lagos operation has not been established in the information available. Laboratory findings would be needed to determine whether the seized beverages contained dangerous contaminants.
The reported revalidation of expired products also raises concerns about traceability, product integrity and the potential exposure of consumers to beverages that may no longer meet applicable quality and safety requirements.
NAFDAC Urges Public Vigilance
NAFDAC has urged members of the public to report suspected cases of illegal manufacturing, revalidation or sale of regulated products.
The agency provided the following contact channels for complaints:
NAFDAC complaints line: 0800-1-NAFDAC (0800-1-623322)
Additional complaint lines: 0909-763-0506 and 0909-763-0507
Consumers should purchase alcoholic beverages from reputable sellers and exercise caution when products have suspicious seals, damaged packaging, inconsistent labelling or signs of tampering. Packaging checks alone, however, cannot guarantee that a product is genuine or safe.
Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals can also support public awareness by educating consumers about the dangers of unregulated products and encouraging prompt medical assessment when poisoning is suspected.
What Happens Next?
The raid represents an enforcement action, but the public health impact will depend partly on the investigation's findings and whether the agency can establish the distribution networks associated with the suspected operation.
Further information on laboratory testing, the identities and legal status of the suspects, possible distribution of the affected products and any subsequent prosecutions would help clarify the case.
For now, NAFDAC's reported seizure underscores the importance of effective market surveillance, product traceability and sustained enforcement against counterfeit and potentially unsafe beverages in Nigeria.
Sources: NAFDAC's reported enforcement announcement, as covered by The PUNCH, Channels Television and TheCable, 13 October 2026; World Health Organization information on methanol poisoning and adulterated alcoholic beverages.