NAFDAC destroys N1.36bn worth of fake, expired products in Abuja

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Thursday destroyed counterfeit, adulterated, and unregistered food, drugs, and jewelry worth about N1.36 billion at the Kuje dumpsite in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

In his speech during the exercise, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, described the attack as a difficult task that is happening in all parts of Nigeria.

Mrs. Adeyeye, who was represented by the Director in her office, Festus Ukadike, said the organization conducts the exercise once a year in each area, depending on the number of seizures.

He said the aim is to remove illegal, fake and expired products by NAFDAC from the market.

He said that NAFDAC had done very well in 2024, making huge seizures that proved its commitment to the protection of public health.

“We carried out several raids in all areas, including Lagos, where over N120bn worth of fake, junk and bad food items were destroyed,” he said.
“Our relentless pursuit of justice against health smuggling organizations has resulted in the seizure of over 6,000 bags of repackaged rice in the FCT alone.”

He added that these corrupt cartels seek to exploit and harm unsuspecting Nigerians for economic gain, and that NAFDAC will not tolerate this.

Captured products

Mrs. Adeyeye said that the destroyed items were seized during the agency’s operations in the FCT and surrounding areas, together with items donated by legitimate companies and organizations.

These drugs include drugs – Psychoactive and controlled substances, antibiotics, antihypertensives, antimalarials, herbal powders, and herbal medicines, including drugs seized from dealers.

Some are foods -Cookies, vegetable oils, soft drinks, and supermarket items labeled in foreign languages ​​that do not have English translations.

The cosmetics are cosmetics, lotions, pomades, and skin lighteners that have been confiscated from antiques and beauty salons. Some are fake Izal, Jik, and medical devices.

It also included obsolete and unsuitable products that were voluntarily donated for disposal by non-governmental organizations and the Association of Community Pharmacy of Nigeria.

“NAFDAC has greatly increased its Marketing Monitoring and Promotion activities to combat the threat of counterfeit drugs and counterfeit food to national security,” he said.

“The organization is working together with political, cultural, religious and religious leaders, the media and the public at large, to encourage support and commitment in the fight against blasphemous and false information.”

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In his speech, the Director General of the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), Ifeanyi Okeke, commended NAFDAC for destroying the material.

Mr. Okeke, who was represented by the FCT Coordinator of SON, Gamagira Mohammed, warned manufacturers, exporters, and related parties that non-compliance will not be tolerated under the new prospect.