NAFDAC Raises Alarm Over Widespread Circulation of Substandard, Unregistered Edible Oils in Nigeria

NAFDAC has raised alarm over widespread circulation of substandard and unregistered edible oils in Nigeria.

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning over the increasing circulation of substandard, adulterated, and unregistered edible oils across Nigerian markets.

The alert follows market surveillance by Lebruni Agro Limited, producers of Liorga premium soybean and palm kernel oils, which uncovered a surge in unsafe and illegally imported oils being sold nationwide.

NAFDAC Flags Illegal Oil Brands, Distribution Networks

 

According to the agency, several questionable brands including OKI, FINO, SUPER DELICIEX, PUR, and LA JONIC have established warehousing and distribution channels, enabling their widespread presence in major cities such as Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Onitsha, Aba, and Warri.

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NAFDAC stated that these products:

• Have no identifiable manufacturers,

• Display no NAFDAC registration numbers, and

• Lack verified production processes or safety standards.

“These adulterated and unregulated edible oils are being smuggled into Nigeria, with unknown sources and safety profiles,” the agency warned.

Health Risks

The agency cautioned that consuming unregistered or substandard oils can expose Nigerians to dangerous contaminants such as chemical residues, impurities, and degraded fats. These hazards can lead to severe health problems including:

• Cardiovascular diseases

• Liver damage

• Chronic long-term illnesses

NAFDAC Calls for Increased Vigilance

 

NAFDAC urged importers, distributors, retailers, and healthcare providers to avoid handling such products and to strengthen vigilance across the supply chain.

Consumers are advised to:

• Check for authentic NAFDAC registration numbers

• Examine oil quality and packaging

• Report suspicious products immediately

Reports can be submitted via:

• NAFDAC hotline: 0800-162-3322

• Email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng

• E-reporting portal: www.nafdac.gov.ng

• Med-safety app: available on Android and iOS

Recent NAFDAC Enforcement Highlights

NAFDAC’s crackdown on unsafe products has intensified in recent months:

• The agency seized counterfeit antimalarial drugs worth over N1.2 billion in Lagos, including fake Malamal Forte cartons smuggled under false declarations.

• A falsified version of Aflotin 20/120 antimalarial tablets was recently discovered in circulation.

• A major alert was also issued for fake BETACLOX (Ampicillin-Cloxacillin) antibiotics.

• In August 2025, NAFDAC intercepted 16 containers of counterfeit drugs and contaminated food products in Port Harcourt and destroyed over N15 billion worth of fake medicines in Ibadan.

The agency emphasised that it will continue to enforce strict regulatory measures to safeguard public health and purge Nigeria’s markets of dangerous, unregistered products.