The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised concerns about the threats posed by counterfeit and prohibited medications infiltrating Nigerian markets, cautioning that this issue could severely impact public health.
At a press briefing in Lagos, the Director-General, for NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, described the agency’s recent findings at major drug markets in Idumota (Lagos), Onitsha (Anambra), and Ariaria (Abia) as a significant threat to the nation.
Adeyeye remarked that the discoveries made during our enforcement efforts in the open drug markets of Idumota, Aba, and Onitsha could be detrimental to a country and negatively impact the quality of life for Nigerians.
NAFDAC’s efforts led to the confiscation of almost 80 truckloads of illicit drugs in Onitsha and Aba, and 27 truckloads were seized and destroyed from Idumota market in Lagos. Adeyeye stated that the counterfeit medications comprised substantial amounts of tramadol and codeine syrup, both of which are prohibited due to their significant risk of abuse.
She reported that they found 12 truckloads of tramadol and four truckloads of codeine syrups, both of which were prohibited for medical use several years ago.
The agency discovered that a significant number of these fake medications were kept in improvised warehouses lacking adequate ventilation.
Adeyeye emphasized that despite the recent enforcement actions coming to an end, NAFDAC is still dedicated to eliminating the sale of counterfeit and contaminated medications.
She cautioned that a patient with diabetes or hypertension who takes certain medications we removed could easily face life-threatening consequences due to our findings.
NAFDAC’s recent enforcement action underscores the persistent issues facing Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry, as officials strive to safeguard the public from the risks posed by counterfeit and inferior medications.
