LAGOS, Nigeria — The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized counterfeit malaria drugs valued at more than ₦1.2 billion in Lagos, in what the agency described as part of a wider crackdown on fake and substandard medicines.
In a statement on Friday, September 12, 2025 the agency said operatives intercepted 277 cartons of the suspected fake product, branded as Malamal Forte, in a warehouse in the Ilasa-Oshodi district of Lagos.
The drugs were allegedly smuggled into the country from China, concealed in shipping cartons falsely labelled as Diclofenac Potassium 50mg and declared as spare parts.
“NAFDAC has intercepted 277 cartons of counterfeit and unregistered Malamal Forte malaria drugs, valued at over ₦1.2 billion, in a warehouse located in the Ilasa-Oshodi area of Lagos State,” the statement said.
The agency identified Shanxi Tianyuan Pharmaceuticals Group, a China-based manufacturer, as the source of the illegal shipment.
Officials said the consignments were disguised to evade regulatory checks and imported without approval.
Mojisola Adeyeye, director-general ofl NAFDAC, said the operation demonstrated the agency’s commitment to safeguarding public health.
“This seizure is part of NAFDAC’s sustained nationwide operation to protect public health and ensure only safe, quality medicines are available to Nigerians,” she said.
The seizure highlights the continued threat of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria, where malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality.
Public health experts warn that the circulation of unregulated medicines undermines treatment efforts, fuels drug resistance, and endangers lives.
NAFDAC said further investigation is underway to track down those behind the illicit importation, and assured that offenders will face prosecution.
The agency has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, buy medicines only from licensed pharmacies, and report suspicious products to its enforcement teams.
