Regulatory Affairs
NAFDAC Uncovers Illegal Herbal Product Manufacturing Facility in Lagos Over Fake Registration Number
NAFDAC has uncovered an illegal herbal product manufacturing facility in Agege, Lagos, after an investigation found herbal bitters carrying a registration number assigned to a different medicine. A company manager was arrested for further interrogation.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered an illegal herbal product manufacturing facility in Agege, Lagos State, after an investigation found herbal bitters bearing a registration number assigned to a different medicine.
The investigation followed a report published by The Guardian on 10 October 2026, which raised concerns about herbal products sold in Lagos with registration numbers that did not correspond to the products bearing them.
According to the information provided by NAFDAC, an investigative team conducted surveillance before discovering three variants of Asheitu Adams Bitters carrying the registration number A7-1827L.
Registration number traced to cough syrup
Verification through NAFDAC’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Automated Product Administration and Monitoring System (NAPAMS) portal showed that registration number A7-1827L belongs to Greentol Cough Syrup, rather than Asheitu Adams Bitters.
The discrepancy raises concerns about the authenticity and regulatory status of the herbal products, as registration numbers are used to identify specific products authorised by the agency.
During the operation, the company’s managing director and chief executive officer was reportedly absent. The company manager was arrested for further interrogation.
The information provided by NAFDAC did not establish whether the products had caused harm to consumers or specify whether additional arrests or enforcement actions had been carried out.
Implications for medicines safety
The discovery highlights the importance of verifying the registration details of herbal medicines and other health products before purchase or use.
A registration number displayed on a product should not be accepted as proof of its authenticity without checking that the number corresponds to the product and manufacturer identified on the label.
Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals can support medicines safety by encouraging patients to obtain products from legitimate sources, checking available regulatory information and reporting suspected falsified or unregistered products to the appropriate authorities.
Consumers should also be cautious about herbal products marketed with broad claims to treat multiple unrelated conditions. Such claims should not be taken as evidence of safety or effectiveness.
NAFDAC has urged members of the public to provide credible information about suspected illegal manufacturing activities through its call centre on 0800-1-623322 or 0700-1-623322, or by email at reforms@nafdac.gov.ng.
The agency’s investigation underscores the need for effective regulatory surveillance and public cooperation to help prevent falsified product information from undermining confidence in Nigeria’s medicines supply.