China has formally apologised to Nigeria for alleged export of fake drugs including some labelled as 'Made in India' by some Chinese firms to the country and assured to take punitive action against those involved in the scandal.

In June, Nigeria's National Agency for food and drug Administration and Control (NAFDFAC) said it had detected a large consignment of anti-malaria drugs from China, which had been labelled 'Made in India', being sold in the country.

Following the seizure of fake drugs, the director-general of NAFDFAC, Paul Orhii subsequently travelled to India where he got assurance that drugs and other products moving out of the country would be thoroughly checked.

"It was an unfortunate incident, but it has opened up a lot of opportunities in fight against counterfeits, with the Indian government involved as it has interests in the issue," the Orhii said.

"The packaging was very sophisticated and on its physical scrutiny, it looked genuine. But after laboratory analysis we found there were no active ingredients. If it had remained undetected, it could have created resistant strains of malaria," NAFDAC chief added.

India and China are the most prominent suppliers of drug to Nigeria, he said.