NAFDAC destroys fake, expired drugs worth ₦4.7bn
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has destroyed seized fake and expired drugs, unwholesome processed food and sub-standard products from the South-South zone valued at ₦4.7bn.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Christianah Adeyeye, supervised the destruction at a dumpsite in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State on Friday.
In her address, Adeyeye said the destruction of the harmful products was not just a routine exercise; but a firm statement of the agency’s ‘unwavering resolve and commitment’ to protect the lives of the people from the dangers of counterfeit and substandard medicines, unwholesome food, medical devices and other hazardous regulated products.
The DG, who was represented by the NAFDAC Director, South-South Zone, Chukwuma Oligbu, stated, “These products, if allowed to circulate, could cause untold harm, including treatment failures, drug resistance, prolonged illnesses, and even loss of lives.
“The products being destroyed during this exercise are made up of substandard and falsified medical products, unwholesome processed food products and food additives, unsafe cosmetics, counterfeits and other expired NAFDAC regulated products seized by the agency from manufacturers, importers and distributors.
“Also, up for destruction today are damaged and expired products voluntarily handed over by compliant companies, nongovernmental organisations, Association of Community Pharmacists and Trade Unions, to the Agency.”
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She disclosed that NAFDAC through intelligence gathering in July, 2024 discovered several warehouses in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital where some alcoholic beverages were being re-validated and re-introduced into circulation, saying, “After a properly coordinated surveillance, the warehouses were raided and products confiscated.”
The NAFDAC DG added, “Also, through this operation, a warehouse of unregistered Cosmetics products was raided and products worth several millions in Naira were confiscated. seized unregistered imported vegetable oil without Vitamin A fortification, and assorted unregistered cosmetics products from Delta State are also to be destroyed today.
“The Nigeria Customs Service in Edo State handed over two 40-ft containers of various Pharmacological classes of unregistered and substandard drugs which are part of the items to be destroyed today.”
Speaking earlier, the acting Sole Administrator, Rivers State Waste Management Agency, Prince Obi Ohia, lauded NAFDAC for the efforts, saying the feat would help reduce death rates and improve the health status of citizens.
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