NAFDAC issues enforcement directive against prohibited food imports in Nigeria  

NIGERIA – The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a firm enforcement directive demanding that importers and retailers immediately cease the sale of certain food products listed on the Customs Prohibition List.   

The directive explicitly targets pasta, noodles, sugar, and tomato paste, which are currently banned from importation into Nigeria.  

NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized the urgent need for this enforcement action to protect public health. She highlighted concerns over the influx of smuggled goods that have not undergone proper evaluation or regulatory clearance.   

According to Professor Adeyeye, these unauthorized imports pose significant health risks to Nigerian consumers because their safety and quality standards are unknown.  

The agency’s directive serves as a strong warning to all stakeholders involved in food importation and distribution within Nigeria.   

Importers are being ordered to halt any ongoing shipments of these prohibited items, while retailers are instructed to withdraw the products from their shelves immediately.   

The directive underscored that compliance with the ban is mandatory and non-negotiable.  

NAFDAC also made clear its intention to adopt stringent enforcement measures against those who fail to comply.   

This includes the seizure of prohibited goods found in the market and the legal prosecution of offenders.   

The agency aims to send a clear message that violations of the food import restrictions will have serious consequences, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding consumer safety.  

This move aligns with Nigeria’s broader efforts to tighten control over food imports and combat the proliferation of smuggled and substandard products that can undermine national health and local industries.   

By enforcing the Customs Prohibition List, the government seeks to reduce health risks associated with unregulated food items and encourage the consumption of locally sourced alternatives.  

Market observers note that the enforcement could significantly impact supply chains for these popular food items, especially given Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imports for pasta, noodles, sugar, and tomato paste.   

However, the directive also presents an opportunity for increased local production and import substitution, which could strengthen the domestic food industry over time.  

As NAFDAC intensifies its inspections and monitoring activities, importers and retailers are advised to align fully with the directive to avoid penalties.   

The agency continues to urge consumers to remain vigilant and purchase only approved, safe, and quality-verified food products to protect their health.  

Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.