National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed seized fake, expired, substandard, and falsified drugs and products valued at ₦15 billion.
The destruction, which took place in Ibadan, was deemed necessary to prevent the reintroduction of these harmful products into the market, according to NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye. She was represented at the event by NAFDAC Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade.
Prof. Adeyeye stated that as the lead agency and chair of the Federal Task Force on Fake and Counterfeit Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods, NAFDAC is committed to ensuring that all foods, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, and beverages are safe, wholesome, and effective for human consumption.
“The products destroyed today include expired, counterfeit, unregistered, and banned drugs such as Analgin, Cocodamol, Codeine cough syrup, Tramadol, Oxytocin, and various vaccines,” she said. “The estimated street value of these products stands at fifteen billion naira.”
She acknowledged the Nigeria Customs Service for handing over 25 40ft containers of pharmaceutical products, including Tramadol 225mg, Artesunate injection, CSC cough syrup with codeine, as well as prohibited frozen chicken. Adeyeye also commended the Police, Nigerian Army, DSS, NDLEA, NSCDC, and Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria for their support.
She urged stakeholders and the public to educate families about the dangers of patronising quacks and unauthorised medicine dealers, while also appealing for cooperation in providing information to prevent the circulation of unregistered and dangerous products.
Speaking on behalf of the Controller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, SK Tijani emphasized the ongoing synergy between Customs and NAFDAC in combating fake, expired, and substandard drugs nationwide. He stressed that all stakeholders must play an active role in eradicating criminal activities involving the importation and production of illicit drugs.
