LAGOS, Nigeria — The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered an illegal herbal product manufacturing facility in Agege, Lagos State, following reports that herbal products were carrying falsified registration numbers.
The agency disclosed that its investigation followed a report published by The Guardian on October 10, 2026.
The report raised concerns about herbal bitters bearing NAFDAC registration numbers assigned to other products.
According to NAFDAC, its investigative team conducted surveillance before discovering three variants of Asheitu Adams Bitters bearing registration number A7-1827L.
The agency subsequently checked the number through its NAFDAC Automated Product Administration and Monitoring System (NAPAMS).
It found that it belonged to Greentol Cough Syrup, rather than the herbal bitters.
NAFDAC said the discovery indicated that the registration number had been fraudulently used on the herbal products.
Company Manager Arrested
The agency disclosed that the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer was absent when its officials conducted the operation.
The company manager, Abdullazeez Saidu (39), however, was arrested for illegal production of the herbal product.
Saidu was arrested for further interrogation as investigations into the suspected illegal manufacturing and use of the falsified registration number continued.
NAFDAC has not, in the information available in the report, disclosed the outcome of the interrogation or announced any prosecution.
The investigation follows growing concerns over the sale of herbal products whose registration details may mislead consumers about their regulatory status.
The Guardian Investigation Raised Initial Concerns
In its October 10 report, The Guardian identified Asheitu Adams Bitters among herbal products carrying registration numbers that the NAFDAC verification portal associated with different products.
The newspaper reported that registration number A7-1827L was assigned to Greentol Cough Syrup, which the portal listed as an imported product.
The investigation also raised questions about claims made on herbal bitters labels concerning their purported ability to treat multiple ailments.
The use of a registration number belonging to another product raises concerns about the authenticity and regulatory status of the affected herbal bitters.
Consumers are advised not to assume that a product is approved merely because its packaging displays a NAFDAC registration number.
NAFDAC Urges Public to Report Illegal Manufacturing
NAFDAC has urged members of the public to provide credible information about suspected illegal manufacturing facilities and other regulatory violations.
The agency’s complaint line is 0800-1-623322, while its enquiry line is 0700-1-623322.
Members of the public can also verify product registration details through the agency’s official NAPAMS product verification portal.
The agency’s action underscores the importance of regulatory checks to protect consumers against potentially unsafe, mislabelled or fraudulently marketed products.
This Dawn News will provide updates as NAFDAC releases further information about the investigation.
