The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a warehouse stocked with banned, fake and unregistered cosmetic products valued at over ₦3 billion at the APT Trade Fair Complex in Lagos.

The facility, concealed within an uncompleted building, was found to contain large quantities of prohibited items, including 728 cartons of Crusader soap, 718 cartons of E45 soap, and Extract Gold whitening soaps — all products banned by the federal government due to health concerns.

Other items recovered from the warehouse include assorted perfumes, body oils, and cooking oils, which have been placed on hold pending further regulatory assessment. 

All seized products have since been evacuated to prevent them from entering the market.

NAFDAC confirmed that the warehouse manager has been invited for questioning as investigations continue and appropriate enforcement actions are pursued.

The agency warned that the sale and use of unregistered and banned cosmetic products pose serious health risks to consumers. 

It urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Authorities say the operation forms part of on-going efforts to rid Nigerian markets of counterfeit and substandard products, safeguard public health, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.