The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has intensified its nationwide crackdown on fake and substandard medicines, sealing over 11,000 shops and arresting 40 individuals.
Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known in Lagos, revealing that the enforcement was planned for over a year as a covert operation.
The agency began its clampdown on February 10 at major drug distribution hubs in Idumota, Lagos; Ariaria Market, Aba; and Bridge Market, Onitsha—locations responsible for over 80 percent of the country’s medication supply.
According to NAFDAC, more than 20 trucks of substandard drugs were confiscated in Aba, 30 in Onitsha, and 27 in Lagos.
Professor Adeyeye noted that the next phase of the operation will involve shop-to-shop inspections to identify those operating without proper registration under the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria.
She commended the National Security Agency for providing over 1,000 security officers to ensure the safety of NAFDAC officials, emphasizing that the agency remains committed to eradicating counterfeit drugs and protecting public health.
RN
