The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed falsified and substandard goods worth N1.367 billion in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The destroyed items, includes; drugs, chemicals, cosmetics, food products confiscated during enforcement operations in the FCT and surrounding areas, as well as expired and unwholesome products voluntarily submitted by NGOs and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN).
Performing the exercise at the Kuje dumpsite in Abuja, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by her Special Assistant and Director in the office of the Director General of NAFDAC, Dr. Festus Ukadike, explained that the operation was part of NAFDAC’s broader efforts to uphold its mandate of protecting the health of Nigerians while maintaining the integrity of the nation’s supply chain.
“In 2024, NAFDAC achieved remarkable progress, making substantial seizures that underscore our commitment to safeguarding public health. We carried out several destruction exercises across the zones, including Investigation and Enforcement, Lagos, where products worth over N120billion of falsified, substandard, and unwholesome food products were destroyed”.
‘’Our relentless pursuit of justice against counterfeiting cartels has resulted in the seizure of over 6,000 bags of rebagged rice in the FCT alone. These deceitful cartels aim to exploit and harm the unsuspecting Nigerian populace for economic gain. NAFDAC has zero tolerance for such activities and has initiated thorough investigation to ensure that all involved face appropriate sanctions,’’ Prof. Adeyeye emphasised.
She further warned manufacturers and importers against engaging in the production and distribution of counterfeit goods emphasising that NAFDAC would continue to prosecute offenders to the full extent of the law.
The NAFDAC DG urged the public to report suspicious activities or products to the agency to help curb the spread of counterfeit and substandard goods.
‘’ We urge all consumers of NAFDAC-regulated products to remain vigilant. Be aware of the drugs, cosmetics, food, and other regulated products you purchase. Do not hesitate to report any suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office,’’ Prof Adeyeye appealed.
Also, the FCT Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Mrs. Salamatu Orakwelu, pledged the commitment of the organization to working closely with NAFDAC to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and improve public awareness.
“I commend NAFDAC for this step that you’ve been taking annually, and I assure you that as pharmacists, all measures will be taken to ensure compliance and to support your efforts,” she said.
Representative of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mr Gamagira isiaku Mohammed who commended NAFDAC’s efforts in combating the menace of counterfeit products, noted that inter-agency collaboration remains vital in protecting public health and ensuring consumer safety.
“I believe we will continue to strengthen our collaboration so that Nigeria can grow, and everybody will be healthy in the interest of the country,” he said.
Also present for the exercise on Thursday were officials from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and security agencies.
RN
