The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a staggering public health threat right in the heart of Lagos. During a well-coordinated sting operation, the agency raided three warehouses on Folarin Olawale Cole Close, Alapere-Ketu, and discovered expired, hazardous, and prohibited chemicals valued at nearly ₦1 billion.
Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, called it one of the most shocking discoveries in recent years. “What we saw here is nothing short of alarming,” he said. “Every single item was expired—some even marked ‘Not for Sale’. These are chemicals meant strictly for regulated use, yet they were being stored and distributed by private individuals with no authorization.”
According to Iluyomade, some of the chemicals—originally intended for food and pharmaceutical production—could pose significant risks if misused, including being repurposed to create explosives. “This goes beyond food safety,” he said. “We’re talking about national security.”
The warehouses—owned by one individual—served as distribution hubs, supplying toxic and expired chemicals to other locations. “This is a supply chain of danger,” Iluyomade warned, adding that enforcement will now target not just finished goods, but also raw materials, which often go unchecked.
The raid followed an anonymous tip-off, confirmed Dr. Leonardo Omopariola, NAFDAC’s Director of Chemical Evaluation and Research. “Once we verified the location, we moved in swiftly,” he said. “What we found was devastating. It was like walking into a chemical disaster zone.”
Omopariola expressed deep concern that many of the expired substances were food-grade additives. “When chemicals expire, they don’t just lose their usefulness—they become harmful,” he said. “Anyone using these to manufacture food or drugs is not feeding the public, they’re poisoning them.”
He also raised alarm over the presence of boxes labeled as donated items, clearly marked ‘Not for Sale’. “These were meant to support communities, yet they’ve somehow ended up in private hands for profit. That’s criminal,” he added.
Among the seized substances were highly regulated items like caustic soda, for which no permits were issued to the suspect. Two individuals have been arrested, and NAFDAC promises that more will follow.
“This is just the beginning,” Iluyomade said. “We’re going after everyone involved. No one poisoning the public for profit will go unpunished.”
To prevent similar incidents, NAFDAC is urging the public to remain vigilant. “We have a whistleblower policy,” Omopariola reminded. “If you suspect anyone is selling expired or dangerous chemicals, let us know. You don’t have to reveal your identity—and yes, there’s a reward. This is about protecting lives.”
As this case unfolds, it sends a chilling reminder: behind some shelves and storehouses are products that threaten far more than public health—they endanger lives and national security.