The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has ramped up its efforts against counterfeit medications, demolishing approximately N100 billion worth of illegal and expired drugs at the Moniya dump site in Ibadan.
the Director General of the agency, Mojisola Adeyeye, on Saturday, represented by Yedunni Adenuga, the Director of Narcotics, reiterated NAFDAC’s dedication to protecting public health. She highlighted the agency’s firm commitment to eliminating unsafe medicines, food, cosmetics, and other regulated products from the country.
The recent finding of counterfeit and hazardous products in major markets throughout Nigeria is concerning,” Adeyeye remarked. “We are seeing the removal of expired, fake, regulated, unregistered, and prohibited medicines from the Idumota Open Drug Market.
Confiscated drugs included Analgin, an illicit painkiller, and Tramadol 225mg, a tightly regulated opioid with a high risk of abuse. NAFDAC has stated that these drugs pose security risks to the nation.
The agency revealed that the operation was facilitated by the backing of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, who authorized the deployment of more than 1,000 security forces, comprising military members, police officers, and personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS).
Shaba Mohammed, the Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, emphasized that selling pharmaceuticals in open markets is illegal and cautioned that those who violate this law will encounter legal repercussions.
It is illegal to sell drugs in an open market,” Mohammed emphasized. “Those who peddle pharmaceuticals from vehicles, kiosks, or roadside stands are violating the law and will face penalties.
The agency announced that multiple suspects were apprehended during the three-week enforcement operation and are now under investigation. Those deemed guilty will face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
NAFDAC has advised Nigerians to buy medications solely from licensed pharmacies and authorized outlets to mitigate the dangers linked to counterfeit and subpar drugs.
