The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has seized counterfeit agrochemicals valued at N5 million, arrested the owner of the factory where they were produced, and sealed three facilities in Bauchi Metropolis.
This operation targeted counterfeit products that pose serious threats to agriculture and public health.
The agency announced the operation in a statement shared on its official Facebook page on Friday, emphasizing its commitment to tackling the distribution of unregulated and potentially harmful products.
Among the seized products was a counterfeit version of “Patriarc,” a well-known agricultural solution used by farmers to boost crop production and protect against pests.
The operation, valued at N5 million, involved the sealing of three business outlets suspected of selling the fake product.
According to NAFDAC, “The operation led to the sealing of three facilities, the arrest of their owners, and the confiscation of counterfeit products valued at N5 million. NAFDAC’s Investigation & Enforcement team is actively pursuing the importer or manufacturer responsible for these counterfeit goods.”
This enforcement activity underscores the agency’s active efforts to disrupt the counterfeit market and hold those involved accountable.
NAFDAC credited the successful raid to intelligence reports focused on agrochemical vendors suspected of selling unapproved products.
The agency further highlighted the importance of buying regulated agrochemicals from authorized sources to ensure consumer safety and safeguard health, urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious products to the nearest NAFDAC office for investigation.
Swift regulatory action, it added, is essential for upholding safety standards and protecting consumers from potential health hazards.
Patriarc is a prominent product in the agricultural industry, recognized for its combined pesticide and fertilizer properties.
Specially formulated to enhance plant health and boost resistance to pests and diseases, this broad-spectrum solution includes insecticides, fungicides, as well as macro and micronutrients.
By supporting increased nutrient uptake, soil health, and crop resilience, Patriarc has become a popular choice for farmers cultivating a variety of crops, from cereals like maize, rice, and wheat to legumes, vegetables, and fruits.
NAFDAC, established in 1993, has a comprehensive mandate to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of food, drugs, cosmetics, and other regulated items across Nigeria. The agency’s responsibilities include
