The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) made a significant move on Thursday (today), by destroying substandard products worth a staggering ₦43 billion in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The destruction took place at the Moniya dump site in Lapite, Akinyele Local Government Area, with security agencies, Oyo State government representatives, and other stakeholders in attendance.
According to NAFDAC’s Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, the counterfeit products were voluntarily surrendered by compliant companies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and trade unions.
She said the collaborative effort demonstrates the agency’s commitment to eradicating fake and harmful products from circulation in Nigeria.
The destroyed products included a range of items, such as Aphrodisiacs and Sex Enhancement Drugs, Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Prescription Only Medicine (POM) Drugs.
Professor Adeyeye emphasized that the agency’s actions will contribute positively to the economy and make Nigerians healthier and wealthier. She warned those involved in trafficking fake products that they will face the full force of the law.
The NAFDAC DG stated further, “Over thirty wares were seized in total. Products peddled by these drug hawkers including banned Codeine substances, narcotic drugs, Antimalarial, Aphrodisiacs, Analgesics, and Antibiotics worth over forty-eight million naira were confiscated.
“The Agency gathered intelligence on illegal warehousing, sale and distribution of schedule 1 Narcotics by some Pharmaceutical vendors in Lagos and other local actions in the Country.
“The Investigation and Enforcement Directorate raided some Pharmaceutical warehouses and premises across the Country to confiscate products worth over seven hundred million naira.
“These include illicit and unregistered pharmaceutical products such as Codeine syrup, expired tramadol, aphrodisiacs, anti-malaria, and many other drugs.
“Other products are contraband soaps, tomato paste, unregistered and counterfeit drinks, food products, perfumes and body spray
“We want to use this opportunity to encourage the public to join NAFDAC in the fight against counterfeit and fake drugs and unwholesome processed food and other NAFDAC Regulated products by reporting unscrupulous manufacturers and businessmen who engage in illicit practices to the nearest NAFDAC office for prompt investigation.”
