A major crackdown on counterfeit products was recorded over the weekend as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) took possession of 16 containers laden with fake and substandard pharmaceutical items and tomato paste at the Onne Port in Rivers State.
The seized goods, with an estimated value of ₦20.5 billion, were handed over to NAFDAC by the Nigeria Customs Service on Saturday.
The haul included 11 containers of banned and unregistered medicines and four containers of poor-quality tomato paste, sparking renewed concern over the steady flow of unsafe products into the Nigerian market.
The intercepted consignment contained:
1.3 million bottles of codeine syrup — a restricted medication prone to abuse
12.6 million tablets of tramadol — a powerful opioid with high addiction risks
9.3 million falsified tablets of diclofenac — an anti-inflammatory drug
280 packs of counterfeit Hyergra — a fake version of sildenafil citrate, commonly used for erectile dysfunction
Speaking at the official handover, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described the seizure as a clear message to those trafficking dangerous products.
“This seizure sends a strong warning to unscrupulous merchants, both local and international. Under our watch, fake and substandard food and drug products will not be allowed to reach the Nigerian people,” she stated.
READ ALSO: NAFDAC Recovers N2.5bn from Drug Raids in Major Markets – DG Adeyeye
Prof. Adeyeye revealed that the agency’s staff have faced rising threats in the line of duty, including attempted kidnappings and death threats, but affirmed that these acts of intimidation will not derail their mission.
“Such intimidation will not deter us. We remain resolute in our mandate because we have the support of both God and the Nigerian people,” she added.
The NAFDAC boss praised the Customs Service for their cooperation and urged Nigerians to support the agency’s fight against fake products. She emphasized the grave health dangers posed by counterfeit drugs and unwholesome food, which may cause:
Organ damage
Acute poisoning
Cancer
Allergic reactions
Nutritional deficiencies, especially in children and the elderly
“Safeguarding the health of the nation is a collective responsibility,” she said. “We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to join us in this important fight.”
Prof. Adeyeye assured that NAFDAC would continue to strengthen its surveillance systems and inter-agency collaborations to prevent such harmful products from circulating in the Nigerian market.
As the agency intensifies its efforts, citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious food or drug products via NAFDAC’s official channels.