The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has ramped up its efforts against counterfeit and substandard medicines, sealing more than 11,000 shops and arresting 40 individuals nationwide.
During a press briefing in Lagos on Saturday, NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, shared that this crackdown had been carefully planned for over a year as part of a covert operation.
The enforcement initiative began on February 10 at major drug markets, including Idumota in Lagos, Ariaria in Aba, and the Bridge Market in Onitsha.
These three markets are said to account for over 80 percent of medication distribution in the country, making them key targets in the fight against fake and unregistered drugs.
Adeyeye provided insights into the operation, stating that authorities had removed over 20 trucks of substandard medicines from Aba, seized at least 30 trucks in Onitsha, and taken away 27 trucks from the Idumota market.
“We are wrapping up our operations in Aba, having nearly finished the evacuation process,” she noted. “The next step will involve inspecting individual shops to distinguish between legally registered businesses and those operating unlawfully.”
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To date, the agency has closed down over 4,000 shops in Onitsha, 3,027 in Lagos, and another 4,000 in Aba.
Adeyeye pointed out that only 20 percent of the work in Onitsha has been completed, mentioning that some traders, while legitimate, are not registered with the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN).
Recognizing the dangers associated with such extensive enforcement, the NAFDAC chief praised the National Security Agency (NSA) for sending personnel to ensure the safety of the enforcement teams.
“Three years ago, some of our officers nearly lost their lives during a similar operation in Onitsha,” she recalled.
“This time, with the support of 400 security officers in Onitsha and 350 in Aba, we are better prepared.”