In a significant move to safeguard public health, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) conducted a large-scale destruction of unwholesome, substandard, falsified, and expired products valued at over N15 billion at the Moniya dumpsite in Ibadan, Oyo State. The exercise, which took place on Wednesday, underscores NAFDAC’s unwavering commitment to eliminating dangerous and illegal products from the Nigerian market, preventing their recirculation, and protecting citizens from the health risks they pose.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, speaking through Dr. Martins Iluyomade, the agency’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, emphasized the critical importance of the operation. She explained that the destruction was a deliberate effort to ensure that harmful products, which could cause severe health complications or even death, do not find their way back into circulation. The destroyed items included a wide range of hazardous products, such as counterfeit medicines, expired drugs, controlled substances, unregistered pharmaceuticals, and banned medical products. Among the items destroyed were Analgin, Co-codamol, codeine-containing cough syrups, Tramadol, Oxytocin, and various expired vaccines, all of which are known to pose significant risks to human health if consumed or improperly used.
Prof. Adeyeye highlighted the staggering street value of the destroyed products, estimated at over N15 billion, as a stark indicator of the scale and audacity of illegal pharmaceutical operations in Nigeria. This massive valuation reflects the extensive efforts of illicit traders to flood the market with dangerous and substandard goods, undermining public health and safety. The destruction exercise serves as a bold statement from NAFDAC that such activities will not be tolerated, and the agency is intensifying its efforts to clamp down on those involved in the production, distribution, and sale of these harmful products.
One of the notable cases mentioned by Adeyeye involved a recent seizure of a container falsely labeled as containing diclofenac but found to be filled with anti-malaria drugs. The container, which held 277 cartons with over 100,000 tablets, was smuggled into the country but was intercepted by vigilant NAFDAC officers. The suspect linked to this shipment has been apprehended and is set to face legal prosecution. Adeyeye stressed that such actions are intended to serve as a deterrent to others involved in the illegal drug trade, signaling that NAFDAC will pursue and punish those who endanger public health with counterfeit or substandard products.
In addition to pharmaceuticals, NAFDAC’s enforcement efforts have extended to other sectors. During a recent raid on a military barracks in Lagos, the agency uncovered and confiscated a wide range of illegally manufactured cosmetics and packaging materials. These items, often produced without adherence to safety standards, pose significant risks to consumers, including skin damage and other health complications. The discovery of such operations in unexpected locations highlights the pervasive nature of illegal manufacturing and the need for constant vigilance across various sectors.
The destroyed products were primarily seized during nationwide raids targeting black-market drug sellers, counterfeiters, and unlicensed medicine dealers operating without regulation or oversight. These raids are part of NAFDAC’s broader strategy to dismantle networks that profit from the sale of dangerous products. By targeting these illicit operations, NAFDAC aims to disrupt the supply chain of substandard goods and protect Nigerians from the devastating consequences of consuming unsafe medicines and products.
Prof. Adeyeye called on community leaders, health professionals, religious figures, and journalists to play an active role in educating the public about the dangers of patronizing unlicensed drug sellers and unregistered pharmaceutical outlets. She emphasized that public awareness is a critical component of the fight against substandard products. Many Nigerians, unaware of the risks, may unknowingly purchase counterfeit or expired medicines from unregulated sources, putting their health and lives at risk. By spreading awareness about the importance of purchasing drugs from licensed and reputable sources, these stakeholders can help reduce the demand for illicit products and support NAFDAC’s regulatory efforts.
The NAFDAC Director-General also urged Nigerians to take an active role in the fight against substandard and falsified products by reporting suspicious drug activities. Public vigilance, she noted, is essential in identifying and eliminating illegal operations that thrive in secrecy. By encouraging citizens to report suspicious activities, NAFDAC hopes to strengthen its surveillance system and ensure that fake, dangerous, and illegal health products are kept off the streets and out of homes. Adeyeye stressed that collaboration between the agency and the public is vital to achieving a safer and healthier Nigeria.
The destruction exercise also highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling the menace of substandard products. Prof. Adeyeye expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its significant contribution to the operation. The NCS handed over more than 25 seized 40-foot containers of prohibited products, including Tramadol, Artesunate injections, and frozen poultry, to NAFDAC for destruction. These items, which violate regulatory standards, are part of the broader effort to remove harmful substances from circulation. Adeyeye described the removal of these products as “another victory” in the ongoing battle against violative and hazardous goods, underscoring the importance of partnerships in achieving NAFDAC’s objectives.
In addition to the NCS, Adeyeye acknowledged the strong support from other key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN). These organizations have played a critical role in supporting NAFDAC’s mission to regulate and control the quality of food, drugs, and other regulated products in Nigeria. Their collaboration has been instrumental in conducting raids, seizing illegal goods, and ensuring that perpetrators face justice. Adeyeye commended their dedication and urged continued cooperation to sustain the momentum in the fight against substandard and falsified products.
The destruction of N15 billion worth of unwholesome products at the Moniya dumpsite is a testament to NAFDAC’s proactive approach to protecting public health. It also serves as a warning to those engaged in the illegal trade of counterfeit and substandard goods that the agency is intensifying its efforts to hold them accountable. By destroying these products, NAFDAC is not only preventing their recirculation but also sending a clear message that the agency is committed to upholding its mandate to safeguard the health of Nigerians.
The exercise also sheds light on the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s pharmaceutical and regulatory sectors. The prevalence of counterfeit and substandard products is a global issue, but it is particularly acute in developing countries like Nigeria, where regulatory systems are often stretched thin, and illegal operators exploit gaps in enforcement. NAFDAC’s efforts to address this problem are commendable, but the scale of the challenge requires sustained action, increased funding, and greater public awareness to achieve lasting impact.
Moving forward, NAFDAC plans to continue its aggressive enforcement campaigns, targeting illegal manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of substandard products. The agency is also working to strengthen its regulatory framework, improve surveillance systems, and enhance collaboration with international partners to curb the influx of counterfeit goods into Nigeria. By leveraging technology, such as advanced tracking systems and data analytics, NAFDAC aims to stay ahead of illicit traders and ensure that only safe and quality products reach consumers.
The destruction of N15 billion worth of harmful products is a significant milestone in NAFDAC’s ongoing efforts to protect public health, but it is only one step in a larger battle. The agency’s call for public participation, inter-agency collaboration, and stakeholder engagement underscores the need for a collective approach to tackling the menace of substandard and falsified products. By working together, Nigerians can help build a safer and healthier nation, free from the dangers of counterfeit medicines and unregulated goods.
In conclusion, NAFDAC’s destruction of N15 billion worth of unwholesome products at the Moniya dumpsite in Ibadan is a bold and necessary action to protect public health. The exercise highlights the agency’s commitment to eliminating dangerous products from the market and holding perpetrators accountable. With the support of stakeholders, law enforcement agencies, and the public, NAFDAC is poised to continue its fight against substandard and falsified products, ensuring that Nigerians have access to safe and quality medicines and products. The road ahead may be challenging, but with sustained efforts and collective action, the agency can make significant strides in safeguarding the health and well-being of the nation.