NAFDAC Seals Four Illegal Rice Milling Factories in Nasarawa Ahead of Sallah, Cites Safety Concerns
As Nigeria prepares to celebrate the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir (Sallah) festival, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has stepped up efforts to protect citizens from substandard and potentially dangerous food products. On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, the agency took bold action by sealing four illegal rice milling facilities located in the Autabalefi area, Masaka main market, and Masaka motor park—all within Nasarawa State.
This decisive operation by NAFDAC is part of a wider strategy to crack down on unhygienic food processing practices and the distribution of fake or substandard products, especially as food consumption increases during festive periods.
NAFDAC Clamps Down on Local Mills for Operating Below Standard
During the raid, NAFDAC officials seized a variety of items that signaled poor food safety standards. These included empty branded rice bags belonging to some popular rice brands, sealing machines, sowing thread, middle packing bowls, and two 50kg bags of rice allegedly processed by the illegal operators.
The agency suspects that some of these local mills were involved in repackaging low-quality or unregistered rice into bags bearing popular brand names, a deceptive and illegal act that misleads consumers and puts public health at risk.
In addition to sealing the four rice mills, NAFDAC also put on hold operations at the Nigeria Brewery’s Masaka Depot. The reason? The agency discovered a large quantity of beverages stored under the scorching sun outside the brewery's building, which is a clear violation of safe storage standards. According to the agency, such drinks are unfit for consumption due to poor handling and exposure to heat.
Why NAFDAC Carried Out the Raid: Protecting Nigerians During Eid-el-Kabir
Speaking to the press, Mrs. Benedicta Obaseki, Deputy Director at the NAFDAC Greater FCT Office in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, explained the motive behind the surprise inspections and factory shutdowns.
“The raid became necessary to avoid the circulation of substandard rice into the market as the Muslim faithful celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir,” said Mrs. Obaseki.
She emphasized that the festive season often becomes a hotbed for the circulation of fake and harmful food items, as dishonest vendors try to cash in on increased demand.
“NAFDAC’s commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of food products in our markets, especially at this time as we are approaching the Sallah,” she noted.
“We all know that people use this opportunity to manufacture and sell all manner of fake things in the name of making money. And so because of that, we needed to be proactive to ensure that we do the needful.”
She made it clear that the operation was approved by the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, and aligns with the agency’s mandate to protect consumers and uphold public health standards.
“On behalf of the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, we decided to take decisive action against the manufacturers of those rice products because they do not comply with our regulatory standards.”
According to Obaseki, the seized products will not return to the market:
“As such, these products have been put on hold and will be destroyed appropriately. As we approach the Sallah, we want to ensure that Nigerians has access to safe and quality food in the markets.”
The Dangers of Fake Rice and Substandard Food Products
Fake or low-quality rice is more than just an economic scam—it is a direct threat to public health. Some fake rice products are made using a combination of synthetic materials, poor grains, and industrial chemicals. These harmful ingredients can cause serious health complications including food poisoning, kidney failure, and long-term digestive issues.
“Fake rice poses a great danger to health and we do not want to tolerate that,” Obaseki stressed.
The Deputy Director further explained that NAFDAC is taking the issue seriously and will continue raiding local markets and production facilities to root out all substandard food items.
“NAFDAC would continue to raid markets to mop up rice and other substandard products, and would also apply sanctions on any products that do not comply with the standard.”
What Nigerians Can Do to Stay Safe: Buy from Reputable Sources
Mrs. Obaseki also used the opportunity to urge Nigerians to be extra careful when buying food items, particularly rice.
“Be vigilant, and make sure you buy rice from reputable sources,” she advised, warning that some vendors were engaged in “sharp practices” to deceive unsuspecting customers.
She also reminded consumers to check for the NAFDAC registration number on all food products:
“Always check for the NAFDAC registration number of any product you buy in the market. The safety of Nigerians is the agency's priority.”
Business Owners React: “We Did Nothing Wrong”
However, the crackdown has not been without controversy. Some of the affected business owners have denied any wrongdoing, insisting that their operations are legal and up to standard.
Miss Purity Obadiah, the manager of one of the sealed companies, told journalists that her firm is involved in milling rice, corn, and cassava, and provides full packaging services to customers.
She stated that the company follows all proper procedures, including polishing, de-stoning, and individual packaging of rice, but denied engaging in the illegal practice of repackaging branded rice bags.
“Last December, customers brought new branded bags for us to package but we didn’t do it. The owner of this company has warned us not to accept that,” she said.
“So that is what we do—we don’t accept branded bags.”
Similarly, another woman, Mrs. Maris Kano, whose company was also affected by the enforcement, defended her actions, stating:
“The bags that I used in repackaging my rice were bought from the market and not branded ones that belong to other companies.”
NAFDAC’s Continued Fight Against Food Fraud in Nigeria
This latest action by NAFDAC sends a strong message that substandard food production and dishonest labeling will not be tolerated in Nigeria. With millions of Nigerians preparing to celebrate Sallah, a time known for heavy food consumption and sharing of meals, the timing of this enforcement is not only strategic but vital.
The agency has reiterated its commitment to monitoring all corners of the food and beverage supply chain—from production to packaging to distribution—to ensure that only safe, approved, and quality products make their way into Nigerian households.
For consumers, the takeaway is clear: always verify what you are buying. Whether it’s rice, beverages, or snacks, check for the NAFDAC registration number, inspect packaging carefully, and when in doubt, buy only from reputable and certified sellers.
Conclusion: NAFDAC’s Role in Keeping Nigerians Safe
As Nigeria’s top regulatory body for food and drugs, NAFDAC’s recent raid in Nasarawa State is a reminder of the ongoing battle against food fraud and substandard production. The seizure of branded rice bags, sealing machines, and the shutdown of unhygienic facilities reflect the agency’s zero-tolerance policy toward illegal food practices.
The Sallah celebration is a time for joy, unity, and sharing—but it must not come at the cost of public health. With continued vigilance from both authorities and citizens, Nigerians can look forward to safer food products and healthier festivities.
