NAFDAC destroys N20bn worth of counterfeit, expired, banned products in Ibadan

…vows relentless war on fake drugs

By Adeola Badru

In a decisive move to protect public health, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Thursday destroyed counterfeit, expired, banned, and unwholesome pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food products worth an estimated N20 billion in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The destruction exercise, held at the Moniya Dump Site along Akinyele Road, marked the South-West Zonal Flag-Off Ceremony for the elimination of unsafe products from circulation.

Addressing the gathering, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to eradicating substandard and falsified (SFs) medical products, illicit drugs, unwholesome foods, chemicals, medical devices, and other violative goods from the Nigerian market.

Represented by the Deputy Director in charge of the Pharmaceutical Division, Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, Lagos, Pharm. Florence Ubah, Professor Adeyeye disclosed that the destroyed items were seized from manufacturers, importers, and distributors across the country.

Others, she said, were voluntarily handed over to the agency by compliant companies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and trade unions.

“These are substandard and falsified medical products, unsafe cosmetics, counterfeits, unwholesome processed food products, food additives, and other expired NAFDAC-regulated items,” she stated.

The NAFDAC boss noted that the destruction exercise was part of a continuous strategy to prevent expired and counterfeit products from being reintroduced into circulation, stressing that the agency remains fully committed to its mandate of safeguarding the nation’s health.

“This is a routine exercise consistent with our mandate to ensure that no expired, substandard, or falsified medical products, or any other unsafe NAFDAC-regulated items, find their way back into the market,” she affirmed.

Professor Adeyeye also commended the Nigeria Customs Service for handing over 25 containers of various pharmaceutical products for destruction, describing the gesture as a major boost in the ongoing campaign against fake and unsafe goods.

She further appreciated the strong collaboration and support from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other stakeholders working with NAFDAC to safeguard public health.

The Director-General, however, urged community leaders, health professionals, religious institutions, the media, and the general public to remain vigilant and actively report suspicious activities involving fake or unregistered medicines.

“It is imperative that we all educate our families and communities about the dangers of patronising quack medicine dealers and unauthorised drug outlets. This fight against counterfeit and unsafe products is a collective responsibility,” she cautioned.

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