The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a large-scale counterfeit alcoholic beverage operation at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, seizing suspected fake and unsafe products valued at over ₦2 billion.
The operation, carried out on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, by the agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, followed intelligence reports concerning illegal activities within the market complex along the Badagry Expressway in Ojo, Lagos State.
According to NAFDAC, its operatives discovered more than 20 illegal stores concealed within makeshift parking spaces, allegedly being used for the production, repackaging and storage of counterfeit alcoholic beverages.
The agency disclosed that suspects were found blending and counterfeiting popular alcoholic beverage brands, altering the expiry dates of unsafe drinks to make them appear fit for consumption, and stockpiling prohibited imported products.
The enforcement exercise also exposed suspected activities involving the repackaging of expired wines, spirits and energy drinks for resale to unsuspecting consumers.
NAFDAC said two suspects were arrested during the operation, while the affected products, valued at more than ₦2 billion, were seized and evacuated from the premises.
The discovery has raised concerns about the circulation of counterfeit and expired alcoholic beverages in Lagos markets, particularly the potential health risks posed to consumers who may unknowingly purchase such products.
The agency warned that the production, distribution and sale of counterfeit or expired beverages constitute serious threats to public health and undermine efforts to maintain safety standards in Nigeria’s food and beverage industry.
NAFDAC reiterated its commitment to identifying and dismantling illegal production and distribution networks responsible for introducing unsafe regulated products into the market.
It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant when purchasing alcoholic beverages and other consumable products, particularly where there are indications of tampered packaging, altered expiry dates or suspicious product labels.
Consumers were encouraged to report suspected illegal manufacturing, product revalidation and the sale of counterfeit or unsafe beverages through the agency’s official complaints line, 0800-1-NAFDAC (0800-1-623322).
The latest enforcement action forms part of NAFDAC’s continuing efforts to combat the circulation of falsified, substandard and potentially hazardous products across the country.
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