The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC on Thursday destroyed fake, counterfeit, substandard, expired and unwholesome regulated products worth approximately N985 million.
The Director-General of the agency, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known during the burning exercise in Kano.
Adeyeye, represented by the Director North-West Zone NAFDAC, Mrs Josephine Dayilim, said the exercise is aimed at eradicating fake drugs and other spurious NAFDAC Regulated Products from circulation in Nigeria.
“Removal of Substandard and Falsified Medicines (SFs) from circulation will make Nigerians healthier.
“And since only a healthy body can contribute positively to the economy, it will make Nigerians wealthier and the economy better,” she added.
The goods being destroyed, the director general said were Substandard, fake/falsely labelled Medicines, unwholesome Food products and other counterfeit seized and voluntarily received by NGOs, trade unions, Nigeria Customs Service, NAPPMED and Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria.
Adeyeye said the items destroyed include medicine made up of psychoactive and controlled substance such as antibiotics, antihypertensive, antimalarials, Analgesics and herbal remedies.
Others destroyed are Food items such as vegetable oil, non-alcoholic beverages, sachet water, condiments and tomato pastes and creams, pomade and ointments.
Others are Chemicals such as insecticides, pesticides, agrochemicals diagnostic kits, infusion and giving sets among others.
Adeyeye therefore , advised relevant stakeholders to adhere to all regulatory measures put in place.