Cynthia Ezegwu
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed counterfeit, expired, and substandard products valued at over ₦20 billion in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The exercise, which took place on Thursday at the Moniya dumpsite, was part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to rid the country of unwholesome and dangerous goods.
Speaking during the destruction exercise, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the operation was to prevent harmful and fake products from re-entering the market and endangering public health.
Adeyeye, who was represented by Mrs. Florence Uba, Deputy Director, Pharmaceutical Division, Investigation and Enforcement, Apapa, Lagos, said the destroyed items included falsified medical products, unwholesome processed foods and additives, unsafe cosmetics, and other expired goods.
“The products were seized from manufacturers, importers, and distributors, while others were voluntarily handed over by compliant companies, non-governmental organisations, and trade unions,” she said.
She explained that the estimated street value of the destroyed items stood at ₦20 billion, noting that NAFDAC remains committed to safeguarding the health of Nigerians through strict regulatory enforcement.
Adeyeye urged community leaders, health professionals, religious figures, and journalists to intensify efforts in sensitising the public on the dangers of patronising unlicensed drug sellers and unregistered pharmaceutical outlets.
READ ALSO: NAFDAC’s Alcohol Ban Sparks Outcry Over Jobs, ₦1.9trn Industry Risk
She further appealed to Nigerians to report suspicious activities involving drugs and consumables, stressing that public participation was crucial to eliminating substandard and falsified products from circulation.
The NAFDAC boss commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for handing over more than 25 containers of confiscated goods for destruction, and lauded other security and regulatory agencies for their collaboration.
“We are grateful to the Customs Service, the Police, the Nigerian Army, the DSS, the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, and all our partners. Together, we can protect the health and safety of all Nigerians,” she said.
Representatives of the NCS, DSS, the Police, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Federal Ministry of Health were present at the destruction exercise.