National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) operatives uncovered counterfeit malaria drugs worth a staggering ₦1.2 billion inside a warehouse in Ilasa-Oshodi, Lagos State.
Lens News gathered that the seizure involved 277 cartons of an unregistered product called Malamal Forte, which had been imported into Nigeria under false declarations. The consignment was disguised as Diclofenac Potassium 50mg and hidden inside containers declared as spare parts.
Investigations traced the shipment to Shanxi Tianyuan Pharmaceuticals Group, China, further confirming suspicions that international syndicates are targeting Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
Speaking at the press briefing, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against fake drugs. “This seizure is not just about counterfeit products; it’s about saving lives. Malaria is a deadly disease in Nigeria, and fake treatments only worsen the crisis,” she said.
The Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Martin Dotun, explained how the syndicate tried to outsmart regulators by falsifying shipping documents and repackaging the drugs in deceptive cartons. He stressed that the agency acted swiftly following intelligence reports.
For context, malaria remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest health problems, accounting for thousands of deaths yearly. Experts warn that the infiltration of counterfeit drugs directly undermines treatment efforts, leaving patients vulnerable and sometimes leading to fatalities.
NAFDAC has sent samples of the seized drugs for laboratory analysis to confirm their chemical content. The agency also assured Nigerians that it enjoys the full support of the Federal Government and the Ministry of Health to sustain the clampdown on fake drug networks.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to unmask the local collaborators behind the illicit shipment, while the warehouse has been sealed off.
