The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a syndicate impersonating the agency to defraud foreign companies using fake regulatory documents. The fraudulent operation, which involved fake approvals, certificates, and receipts, has siphoned over $1.4 million from businesses across multiple countries.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, revealed that the scam came to light after a complaint from Thani Almaeeni Trading Group, an Abu Dhabi-based firm. The company had been tricked into believing it was processing legitimate NAFDAC approvals for its exports to Nigeria. Investigations led to the arrest of the alleged mastermind, Ikoro Mang Ifendu, on February 7, 2025, in Aba, Abia State.
Authorities say Ifendu, a clothing trader from Amamba Village, Abia State, posed as a NAFDAC official and worked with accomplices to deceive firms. The syndicate operated a sophisticated three-step fraud involving fake buyers, bank officials, and fraudulent legal representatives who issued counterfeit documents for a fee.
How the Fraud Worked
Foreign companies looking to trade in Nigeria were contacted by supposed buyers who directed them to banks requiring NAFDAC approval for transactions. A fake lawyer was then introduced to facilitate the process. Victims received counterfeit certificates, revenue receipts, and processing documents, believing they were dealing with the real agency.
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NAFDAC investigators found that the syndicate managed 15 domiciliary and five local bank accounts across seven Nigerian banks. The group laundered at least $950,000 through Nigerian accounts and another $450,000 through offshore accounts in Cotonou, Benin Republic. Even after Ifendu’s arrest, victims continued to make payments, with a recent $75,000 transaction flagged.
Among the fake documents used was a counterfeit NAFDAC certificate for dried seafood, a forged revenue receipt for N6.7 million, and fraudulent processing fees amounting to $13,785. The group also faked Swift transfer records, falsely identifying their operations under a fake law firm, HALI & CO Chambers.
Foreign Firms Caught in the Scam
At least six foreign companies from China, the United States, Poland, Italy, and South Korea were affected. Victims include Japan Long Tie (China), Aquaforest SP (Poland), Nomea srl (Italy), and Siam Canadian China Ltd. Some had paid millions believing they were securing legitimate business entry into Nigeria.
Following the investigation, NAFDAC has transferred the case to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further prosecution. Officials say they will invoke the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) to recover assets acquired through fraudulent means.
NAFDAC is urging businesses to avoid third-party consultants claiming to facilitate product registration. The agency advises all companies to verify regulatory approvals directly through its official portal: https://registration.nafdac.gov.ng/.
