KEY POINTS
- NAFDAC destroyed low-quality and counterfeit goods worth nearly N11 billion($7.1 million), protecting public health and eliminating harmful products.
- Items included expired drugs, unregistered items, and smuggled counterfeit products from Southwest and North Central Nigeria.
- The operation was supported by Customs, Police, and the Oyo State Government to ensure environmental safety and public health protection.
In a decisive action to counter counterfeit and unwholesome products, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed unhealthy products valued at nearly N11 billion($7.1 million) in a public exercise at the Akinyele Dumpsite, Ibadan.
The disposal on Wednesday involved low-quality, fake, counterfeit medications, and other unregulated items seized from Nigeria’s southwest and some regions in the north-central zone.
Removing health hazards
While addressing the gathering, NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by Mrs. Roseline Ajayi, the South-West Zonal Director, characterized the initiative as essential for protecting public health.
“The Investigation and Enforcement Directorate is tasked with identifying and removing unwholesome, substandard, fake, and counterfeit products from circulation,” Adeyeye stated.
She reiterated that NAFDAC’s primary goal is to eliminate harmful products and protect Nigerians.
Items destroyed were sourced from five Southwest states and Kwara State and included expired drugs voluntarily surrendered, unregistered items seized from outlets and warehouses, and counterfeit products smuggled into the country.
The estimated total worth of the ruined items was N10,991,458,374.60. Adeyeye promised the public that seized items are not redirected for individual use but would be permanently disposed of to guarantee safety.
Partnership to fight counterfeits
The demolition exercise was carried out in partnership with sister agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Police.
The Oyo State Government also oversaw the activity to reduce environmental pollution.
Dr. Akin Fagbemi, Chairman of the Oyo State Hospitals Management Board, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to backing efforts that protect public health.
Fagbemi stated, “The top priority for the government is to safeguard the nation’s health.”
Ongoing endeavors and accomplishments
In 2024, NAFDAC eliminated unwholesome goods valued at N98.6 billion, as stated by Mohammed Shaba, the Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC.
Shaba urged individuals to inform the nearest NAFDAC office about dishonest manufacturers and distributors for swift action.
Adeyeye highlighted the significance of ongoing cooperation with stakeholders, utilizing methods like product registration, lab testing, facility evaluations, pharmacovigilance, and research to achieve its objectives.
“This activity sends a strong signal that NAFDAC is determined to safeguard Nigerians from low-quality and fake goods,” Adeyeye finished.
