In a decisive move against counterfeit and substandard medical products, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed fake and expired drugs worth ₦4.7 billion in Rivers State.
The exercise, conducted at the Rivers State Waste Management Authority (RIWAMA) Dumpsite in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area, was part of NAFDAC’s broader campaign to eliminate harmful medical products from circulation in the South-South region.
The disposal process began on Thursday with the collection of contraband drugs and other unwholesome health materials from six South-South states.
These items, seized from manufacturers, importers, and distributors, were transported to the dumpsite for destruction.
Representing NAFDAC’s Director-General, the agency’s South-South Director, Chukwuemeka Oligbu, highlighted the importance of the exercise.
“The products destroyed include substandard and falsified medical drugs, unsafe cosmetics, counterfeit food additives, and other expired items regulated by NAFDAC,” Oligbu stated. “Additionally, we are disposing of expired products voluntarily surrendered by responsible companies, NGOs, community pharmacists, and trade unions.”
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Oligbu urged Nigerians to be vigilant and report any suspicious pharmaceutical activities to NAFDAC, emphasizing that tackling counterfeit drugs requires collective action.
Security agencies and other regulatory bodies collaborated with NAFDAC to ensure a smooth operation.
As the fake and expired drugs went up in flames, the agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and eliminating dangerous medical products from the market.