The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has warned importers and traders against bringing prohibited food items into the country, saying the rise in smuggled goods poses a serious risk to public health.
The agency issued the warning on Saturday in a statement signed by its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, in Abuja.
According to NAFDAC, several food products now seen in markets, including pasta, noodles, sugar, and tomato paste, are on the Federal Government’s Customs Prohibition List and are not allowed into Nigeria.
The statement said, “NAFDAC has raised an alarm over the growing incidence of smuggling, sale, and distribution of regulated food products such as pasta, noodles, sugar, and tomato paste currently found in markets across the country. These products are expressly listed on the Federal Government’s Customs Prohibition List and are not permitted for importation.”
The agency noted that the circulation of such items breaches national trade laws and exposes Nigerians to potential health risks because the products did not pass through NAFDAC’s safety checks.
It said, “The circulation of such prohibited items violates national trade laws, undermines the integrity of the country’s food control system, and poses significant risks to public health, as these products have not undergone the agency’s mandatory safety evaluation and quality assurance processes.”
NAFDAC ordered importers, supermarket owners, and open market traders to stop the importation, sale, and distribution of all items listed as prohibited.
“All importers, supermarket operators, open market traders, and other stakeholders in the food supply chain are hereby directed to immediately cease the importation, sale, and distribution of all products on the Customs Prohibition List,” the agency said.
It warned that those who ignore the directive will face sanctions, including seizure and destruction of goods, withdrawal of licences, and prosecution.
“Failure to comply will attract strict enforcement actions, including seizure and destruction of prohibited goods, suspension or revocation of operational licences, and prosecution in accordance with relevant laws,” it added.
NAFDAC also urged agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Ports Authority, and others to work with it to stop the inflow of unsafe products.
The agency said it remains committed to protecting Nigerians and asked all stakeholders to cooperate with ongoing enforcement efforts.
