NAFDAC Takes Decisive Action: Destroys Counterfeit Goods Valued at N500 Million

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Abuja recently conducted the destruction of counterfeit and expired goods with an estimated value exceeding N500 million…CONTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, presided over the event, highlighting that some of the items had been voluntarily surrendered to the agency.

Mr. Francis Ononiwu, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, represented the Director-General and emphasized that such disposal exercises are carried out on a routine basis throughout the country. The primary objective of this action is to prevent these products from re-entering the supply chain.

Among the items destroyed were various categories of products, including drugs containing psychoactive and controlled substances like antibiotics, antihypertensive, antimalarials, herbal snuff, herbal remedies, and drugs seized from street vendors.

Additionally, there were food products such as spaghetti, vegetable oil, non-alcoholic beverages, and a 40ft container of unregistered Faurecia instant powdered milk, handed over to NAFDAC by the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS).

Cosmetics, like creams, lotions, and pomades, were also included, as well as skin-lightening creams seized from spas and beauty centers. The list further comprised chemicals, such as counterfeit insecticides, and medical devices.

Expired and unwholesome products were also destroyed, with many of them being voluntarily surrendered by companies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the Association of Community Pharmacy of Nigeria (ACPN). The total estimated street value of the disposed products amounted to N535,000,657.00.

Adeyeye emphasized that counterfeiting drugs constitutes an act of economic sabotage and poses a significant threat to public health.

NAFDAC, under her leadership, has been diligently working to combat this menace by adopting a proactive approach.

This approach involves engaging political, traditional, and faith leaders, journalists, and the general public to raise awareness about the dangers associated with substandard and counterfeit medicines.

She called upon everyone to remain vigilant and report any instances of counterfeit medicines, unwholesome foods, and other regulated products to NAFDAC.