The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted counterfeit malaria drugs valued at over ₦1.2 billion during a major raid in Lagos.
In a statement released on Friday via its official X handle, the agency revealed that operatives uncovered 277 cartons of fake Malamal Forte malaria medicines stored in a warehouse at Ilasa-Oshodi.
“NAFDAC has intercepted 277 cartons of counterfeit and unregistered Malamal Forte malaria drugs, valued at over ₦1.2 billion, in a warehouse located in the Ilasa-Oshodi area of Lagos State,” the agency stated.
Investigations showed that the unregistered products were disguised in cartons labeled Diclofenac Potassium 50mg and illegally imported from Shanxi Tianyuan Pharmaceuticals Group in China. The consignment was falsely declared as “spare parts” to evade customs checks.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the seizure was part of ongoing nationwide operations to safeguard public health.
“This seizure is part of NAFDAC’s sustained crackdown to ensure only safe and quality medicines are available to Nigerians,” she said, adding that tighter monitoring at ports and warehouses has been reinforced with support from security agencies.
She further emphasized that the agency’s efforts have been bolstered by strong backing from the Presidency and the Federal Ministry of Health.
The agency reiterated its warning to importers and distributors, stressing that it would not relent in the fight against counterfeit medicines capable of endangering millions of lives.
Counterfeit and substandard medicines remain a serious health threat in Nigeria, a country that bears one of the world’s heaviest malaria burdens. According to the World Health Organisation, Nigeria accounts for 27% of global malaria cases and 31% of malaria-related deaths.
Public health experts caution that the circulation of fake malaria drugs not only endangers lives but also worsens drug resistance, undermining years of progress in fighting the disease.
NAFDAC has ramped up its war against drug counterfeiting in recent years, with previous operations leading to the seizure of fake antibiotics, painkillers, and antimalarials worth billions of naira.
