The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed substandard and expired products worth over ₦20 billion in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, as part of efforts to rid the Nigerian market of unwholesome goods and protect public health.
The exercise, which took place on Thursday at the Moniya dumpsite, involved the destruction of expired drugs, unsafe cosmetics, falsified medical products, and unwholesome processed foods confiscated from manufacturers, importers, and distributors across the South-West zone.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who was represented by the agency’s Deputy Director of Pharmaceutical Division, Investigation and Enforcement, Mrs. Florence Uba, said the move was to prevent the harmful products from re-entering circulation and endangering lives.
According to her, the products were either seized during enforcement operations or voluntarily handed over by compliant companies, non-governmental organisations, and trade associations.
“The estimated street value of the destroyed products is ₦20 billion. NAFDAC remains committed to ensuring that the health of Nigerians is safeguarded through strict enforcement and regulation,” Adeyeye stated.
She expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Customs Service for handing over more than 25 containers of seized items to NAFDAC for destruction, while also commending the Police, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria for their continued collaboration.
Adeyeye called on community leaders, health workers, journalists, and religious organisations to intensify public awareness on the dangers of buying drugs and consumables from unlicensed outlets.
“We urge Nigerians to report suspicious drug sales or counterfeit products to NAFDAC offices nationwide. The fight against fake and substandard products requires collective vigilance,” she added.
Representatives of key security and regulatory agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, the DSS, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Federal Ministry of Health, were present at the event.
NAFDAC reiterated its resolve to strengthen surveillance and enforcement in markets, warehouses, and distribution chains across the country to prevent the proliferation of fake and unwholesome products.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
