NAFDAC destroys counterfeit, expired products worth N1.8bn in Abuja

Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) destroyed counterfeit, expired, and substandard products valued at N1.8 billion at its Kuje, Abuja facility. The destruction aimed to prevent seized items from being reintroduced into the market, as stated by Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye during the exercise. The seized products included counterfeit medicines and expired items deemed harmful to public health. Adeyeye, represented by Director of Investigation and Enforcement Iluyomade Martins, emphasized that NAFDAC’s actions were a clear message to counterfeiters that seized products would not be recycled. She advised Nigerians to purchase medicines and regulated products only from approved distribution channels and to keep receipts for traceability. The director-general also noted that counterfeiters were becoming increasingly sophisticated, while enforcement officers faced attacks during operations against illegal medicine dealers. Several offenders had been prosecuted, with some recently sentenced to 40 years’ imprisonment for counterfeit-related offenses. Adeyeye confirmed that investigations and court cases involving counterfeit and substandard products were ongoing nationwide. Additionally, she reiterated that NAFDAC’s ban on alcohol in sachets and PET bottles below 200 ml remained in effect, with enforcement targeting manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. The agency had already confiscated large quantities of the banned alcohol products and sealed affected production lines. The next phase involves market enforcement, with confiscation and prosecution for anyone found in possession of the prohibited items. Adeyeye also highlighted the impact of the federal government’s Renewed Hope initiative, which had boosted local pharmaceutical manufacturing by over 50%, benefiting public health, job creation, and the economy. The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) commended NAFDAC’s destruction exercise, calling it crucial for safeguarding public health. PCN’s Registrar Ibrahim-Babashehu Ahmed stated that fake pharmaceutical products had caused kidney damage and other health complications among Nigerians. The council pledged continued partnership with NAFDAC to sanitize the pharmaceutical landscape and protect lives. Environmental Health Services representative Gloria Ezeburo also praised NAFDAC’s efforts and pledged ongoing collaboration.