The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) conducted a significant destruction exercise in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday, targeting substandard products, including falsified drugs and medical devices, with a total estimated value of ₦43 billion.
The destruction took place at a dumpsite in Moniya, Akinyele Local Government Area. NAFDAC’s Director-General, Christiana Adeyeye, represented by the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Shabba Mohammed, revealed that the counterfeit items had been voluntarily surrendered to the agency by compliant companies, non-governmental organizations, and trade unions.
Adeyeye detailed the extensive operations leading to the seizure of various unregistered and registered pharmaceutical products, including aphrodisiacs, sex enhancement drugs, over-the-counter medications, and prescription-only drugs.
She noted, “More than 30 types of products were seized, including banned substances like Codeine, narcotics, antimalarials, and analgesics, amounting to over ₦48 million, confiscated from drug hawkers.”
NAFDAC’s investigations also uncovered illegal warehousing and distribution of Schedule One narcotics by pharmaceutical vendors in Lagos and beyond, leading to raids that resulted in the seizure of products worth over ₦700 million.
In addition to the drugs, the agency destroyed a range of illicit items, including expired Tramadol, contraband soaps, unregistered drinks, food products, perfumes, and body sprays.
Adeyeye urged the public to assist NAFDAC in combating counterfeit drugs and unsafe products by reporting any suspicious activities to their nearest NAFDAC office. The destruction event was attended by security agencies, the Oyo State Government, and various stakeholders, underscoring the collaborative effort against illegal practices in the food and drug sector.
Written By; Christopher Emuakpeje