The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), on Thursday in Kano, destroyed fake, counterfeit, substandard, expired, and unwholesome regulated products worth approximately N985,300,290.00 in street value.
According to NAFDAC Director General Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, during the burning exercise in Kano, removing 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.
She disclosed that the products, seized from the Northwestern part of the country, were destroyed by fire on the outskirts of Kano metropolitan city.
The products destroyed included medicines such as antibiotics, antihypertensives, antimalarials, analgesics, herbal remedies, psychoactive and controlled substances, etc.
Additionally, food items such as vegetable oil, non-alcoholic beverages, sachet water, condiments, tomato pastes, etc., were also set ablaze.
Others destroyed were cosmetics such as creams, pomade, ointments, and chemicals such as insecticides, pesticides, agrochemicals, etc., as well as medical devices including diagnostic kits and infusion giving sets.
Prof. Adeyeye, represented by Director Northwest Zone Mrs. Josephine Dayilim, said the chaotic drug distribution system in Nigeria has been a sore point for drug regulatory agencies, especially NAFDAC.
“The handling and disposal of NAFDAC wastes, like today’s exercise, is in line with our strategy aimed at eradicating fake drugs and other spurious NAFDAC Regulated Products from circulation in Nigeria,” she emphasized.
She highlighted, “The products destroyed represent a grave threat to our communities. They are not mere substandard goods; they are potential instruments of harm that could devastate families and derail our nation’s progress. By destroying these items, we send a clear message: there is no place for counterfeit and unsafe products in Nigeria.”
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According to the zonal director, NAFDAC’s efforts have extended beyond destruction, as the agency is actively working to strengthen its regulatory framework, enhance surveillance, and collaborate with local and international partners to stem the tide of dangerous goods at their source.
Calling on all Nigerians to join the fight, she urged, “Be vigilant consumers. Report suspicious products. Support legitimate businesses. Your actions can save lives.”
She warned those involved in trafficking fake and unwholesome products, stating, “To those who persist in trafficking fake and unwholesome products, hear this: We will find you. We will stop you. The full force of the law awaits you.”
Meanwhile, the State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Kasim Ibrahim, highlighted efforts to sanitize drug distribution in Kano. Drug sellers have been relocated from chaotic open markets to a Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Dangwauro, paving the way for NAFDAC to record successes in safeguarding the health of Nigerians.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Kabir Muhammad of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) expressed solidarity with NAFDAC, sharing a common mission to uphold the highest standards of quality and safety in all products and services available to Nigerians.
However, the Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Dr. Murtala Umar, proposed stiffer punishments for offenders to deter others and mitigate the crime.