- Safiu Kehinde
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have on Thursday destroyed N65.4 billion worth of fake, counterfeit, substandard, expired and unwholesome regulated products in Kano and Oyo states.
NAFDAC had destroyed the products in separate exercises conducted by its officials at both states.
While the destroyed products in Kano weighed 618 tonnes with a worth price of over N10.19 billion, the Ibadan exercise saw the destruction of products worth over N55.4 billion.
In her remark in Kano, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the exercise marked a major milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding public health.
Adeyeye, who was represented by the NAFDAC Director, North-West Zone, Mr Fraden Nantim-Mullah, said the destruction was not merely an enforcement action, but a clear statement that the era of impunity for those endangering lives through fake and dangerous products is ending.
She explained that NAFDAC, established under Act Cap N1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, was empowered to regulate and control foods, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals and related products to ensure their safety, quality and efficacy.
“Our mandate is unequivocal: to ensure that every regulated product available to Nigerians meets stringent standards of safety and quality.
“Today’s exercise demonstrates our unwavering commitment to executing this mandate without compromise,” Adeyeye said.
The NAFDAC boss warned manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers involved in the production and sale of counterfeit and substandard products that the agency’s surveillance and enforcement mechanisms were robust and that offenders would face legal consequences.
According to her, the products destroyed were seized from unscrupulous operators across the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic and chemical sectors.
She listed the destroyed items to include counterfeit medicines such as antibiotics, anti-malarials, antihypertensives, analgesics, herbal remedies and controlled psychoactive substances.
Other items included adulterated vegetable oils, contaminated beverages, unsafe sachet water, substandard condiments and falsified tomato paste, as well as hazardous cosmetic products containing dangerous chemical compounds.
Adeyeye said fake agrochemicals, including insecticides and pesticides that threatened food security, and counterfeit medical devices such as diagnostic kits and compromised infusion equipment were also destroyed.
“Each of these categories represents a deliberate assault on public health. Those involved are not just breaking regulations; they are endangering lives and undermining Nigeria’s health security,” she said.
On Ibadan destruction exercise which took place at the Moniya dumpsite in the Oyo capital city, Adeyeye, said the products destroyed included damaged and expired items that were voluntarily handed over to the agency by no fewer than seventy compliant companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and trade unions.
Adeyeye was represented by Mrs Florence Uba, the agency’s Deputy Director, Pharmaceutical Division, Investigation and Enforcement, Apapa, Lagos.
According to her, the estimated street value of the products destroyed is N55,436,844,470 (Fifty-five billion, four hundred thirty-six million, eight hundred forty-four thousand, four hundred seventy naira only).
She said the exercise aimed to prevent dangerous products from re-entering the market and causing public harm.
“The products destroyed included substandard and falsified medical products, unwholesome processed food products and food additives, unsafe cosmetics, and other expired items,” she added.
She stated that the agency seized the products from manufacturers, importers, and distributors.
“NAFDAC has been charged with the responsibility of safeguarding the health of the nation, and as such, it is committed to achieving its mandate,” she said.
Adeyeye urged community leaders, health professionals, religious figures, and journalists to educate the public on the dangers of patronising unlicensed drug sellers and unregistered pharmaceutical outlets.
She expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Police, the Army, the Department of State Security Service (DSS), the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, and other stakeholders for supporting NAFDAC’s mission.
“Together, we can protect the health and safety of all Nigerians,” she said.
Meanwhile, Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, who was represented by the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, State Ministry of Health, Mr Kamilu Yakasai, commended NAFDAC for the exercise.
He said the destruction of seized and expired products was necessary to prevent them from re-entering society and causing harm to unsuspecting citizens and assured that the Kano State Government would continue to support such initiatives.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to collaborating with NAFDAC to protect public health and improve healthcare delivery.