Juliet Jacob 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a strong warning to importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers over the “incessant importation and circulation” of substandard and unregistered edible oils across the country.
In Public Alert No. 039/2025 released on Tuesday, the agency revealed that many of these oils—often sold in informal markets and neighbourhood stores—contain harmful chemical residues, unrefined impurities, and degraded fats that pose serious health risks.
“These products often contain harmful chemical residues, unrefined impurities, or degraded fats that can cause immediate or long-term health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, liver damage, and other chronic conditions,” NAFDAC stated.
The agency stressed that none of the affected oils are registered in its database, and their safety, quality, and efficacy cannot be guaranteed.
“These products are obviously not registered by NAFDAC and are not available in the NAFDAC database. It is important to ensure that they are not smuggled into the country through informal markets,” the alert read.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, urged all players in the supply chain to “exercise caution and vigilance” to prevent the importation, distribution, sale, or use of such products.
The agency also advised the public to always verify the authenticity and physical condition of cooking oil before purchase and consumption.Members of the public were further encouraged to report any suspected substandard or unregistered edible oil to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the toll-free line 0800-162-3322 or email sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Mirian Gom 
Hussaini Ibrahim