NAFDAC seals Lagos Trade Fair shops over unregistered cosmetics

On Saturday, August 29, 2026, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) announced that it had sealed multiple shops and business premises at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, Lagos State, due to alleged involvement in the sale of unregistered cosmetic products. The enforcement operation was conducted by NAFDAC's Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, specifically the Cosmetics Division, over two days, August 26 and 27, as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate non-compliant products from the market. Affected premises have been locked with “NAFDAC HOLD” labels, pending further regulatory actions. Samples of the suspected products were collected for analysis, and invitations were sent to the owners and operators of these businesses for questioning and legal procedures. The enforcement operation targeted several shops and business locations within the Trade Fair Complex, which is situated along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. This area is known as a major commercial center where traders sell a variety of consumer goods, including cosmetics, fragrances, and imported items. Among the affected premises are Vincentmo World, located opposite Bmeck Plaza, Private Plaza; Amazon City of Fragrance, Shops 37 and 38, Beauty Promise Land Plaza; and Aza-King Store Perfumes, opposite Fidelity Bank. Additional locations impacted include PP2 & Fragrance Int’l Ltd., Design Perfumes & Cosmetics; No. D12 Fragrance Doctor Shop, Abia Plaza; and God & Obaino Fragrance Store, opposite Wave Plaza. NAFDAC confirmed that other shops and business premises within the complex were also subjected to this enforcement action. The Trade Fair Complex serves as a key distribution point for numerous businesses operating in Lagos and surrounding areas. Its strategic location makes it a popular spot for both local and international traders looking to showcase and sell their products. However, the recent sealing of these shops highlights concerns regarding the regulation of cosmetic products in Nigeria. According to NAFDAC, the operation aligns with broader initiatives aimed at ensuring that all cosmetic products available in the country adhere to established safety and quality standards. NAFDAC has previously warned manufacturers and distributors about the importance of compliance with regulatory requirements. In earlier reports, the agency emphasized that failure to comply could result in product recalls or even the closure of businesses. These warnings come amid increased scrutiny of the cosmetic industry, particularly concerning the proliferation of unregistered and potentially harmful products. The current enforcement action underscores the agency's commitment to enforcing regulations and protecting public health. The affected businesses reportedly operate in a highly competitive environment, where the demand for affordable and diverse cosmetic products is high. Some traders may rely on informal supply chains or import channels that bypass formal registration processes. While some may argue that such practices help keep prices low, they also pose risks to consumers who may unknowingly purchase unsafe products. NAFDAC's intervention aims to address these issues systematically through inspections, sampling, and legal follow-ups. Following the initial enforcement operation, NAFDAC stated that further investigations would determine whether the seized products pose any immediate health risks. If found non-compliant, the implicated businesses could face penalties ranging from fines to permanent closure. The agency has also indicated that it will continue monitoring the market to prevent similar violations in the future. As part of its strategy, NAFDAC plans to intensify awareness campaigns targeting both consumers and industry stakeholders to promote adherence to regulatory guidelines.