The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has seized counterfeit and unregistered products valued at over N47 million in a raid carried out at the Ibrahim Babangida International Market in Suleja, Niger State.

The operation, which targeted the circulation of banned and substandard goods, also led to the sealing of a warehouse owned by one Alhaji Ahmed.

The facility was found to be stocked with large quantities of Monosodium Glutamate in 25kg bags, a product prohibited from importation into Nigeria.

NAFDAC revealed the details of the operation in a statement released on Tuesday on its X page.

The agency said, “NAFDAC has sealed a warehouse in Niger State operated by one Alhaji Ahmed, for stocking large quantities of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) in 25kg bags, a product banned for importation into Nigeria.”

NAFDAC officials said they uncovered a wide range of counterfeit oral care products bearing fake or misleading labels.

These included poorly imitated versions of popular toothpaste brands, as well as other unregistered and potentially harmful products.

Banned foreign spaghetti was also among the items confiscated.

“Among the confiscated items were counterfeit Oral-B toothpaste, banned foreign spaghetti, and unregistered products such as Bamboo Charcoal toothpaste, ‘Crogate’ and ‘Cloguide’ triple-action toothpaste, and adulterated ‘Colgate’ toothpaste,” the statement noted.

The agency said several shops in the market are now under investigation, pending verification of their inventory and compliance status.

Monosodium Glutamate, commonly referred to as Ajinomoto or White Maggi, remains banned for large-scale importation due to health and regulatory concerns.

NAFDAC warned consumers to avoid repackaged MSG and any food additive that lacks proper identification and regulatory approval.

“NAFDAC advises consumers to avoid repackaged MSG and other food additives that do not carry proper labelling. Products must have a valid NAFDAC Number, manufacturing and expiry dates, batch number, and the manufacturer’s address to ensure they meet safety and quality standards,” the agency said.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that only safe and properly regulated products are available in Nigerian markets, while also warning that enforcement actions will continue across the country.