The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered an illegal herbal products factory in Agege, Lagos, where unregistered products were being manufactured under unsanitary conditions. The discovery was made on October 22, following intelligence received by the agency on October 16 regarding the production of a product named Aishetu Adams Bitters, which was being falsely marketed with a NAFDAC registration number.

Pharm. Edith Joseph, the Deputy Director in charge of the Pharmaceutical Division at NAFDAC, revealed that the facility was concealed within a residential building and operated in extremely poor hygienic conditions. "What we found was shocking. The facility was in a very poor and unhygienic condition. Look at the water they use for production and the environment where the manufacturing takes place. The products are manufactured outdoors, in the open air. I can tell you that this facility is not approved by NAFDAC," she stated during a press briefing.

Three unregistered herbal products were identified at the site, including Ashietu Adams Herbal Mixture for sexually transmitted diseases, Ashietu Adams Blood Purifier, and another preparation claimed to treat high blood pressure. Alarmingly, the registration number displayed on the blood purifier was found to belong to a registered cough syrup, indicating an attempt to mislead consumers.

Joseph reported that the facility has since been sealed off, and the unapproved products have been taken to NAFDAC’s office for further investigation. Investigators are currently working to locate the alleged owner of the factory, identified as a Ghanaian woman named Adams, who was reportedly out of the country at the time of the raid.

In light of this incident, Joseph cautioned the public against solely relying on NAFDAC registration numbers when purchasing herbal medicines. She emphasized that counterfeiters can easily replicate legitimate registration numbers to give unregistered products a false sense of legitimacy. Consumers are encouraged to verify product details through NAFDAC's online platforms or visit local NAFDAC offices for assistance.

Mrs. Christiana Obiazikwor, the Deputy Director of Public Relations at NAFDAC, also highlighted the need for increased public vigilance in combating counterfeit and unregistered products. She urged property owners to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities occurring on their premises, warning that those who facilitate illegal manufacturing could face legal consequences.

"We cannot fight this battle alone. Every Nigerian has a role to play in identifying and reporting places where illegal manufacturing activities are taking place," Obiazikwor said, calling for community involvement in ensuring public safety.

This recent operation underscores NAFDAC's ongoing commitment to safeguarding public health by cracking down on illegal manufacturing practices that pose serious risks to consumers.