NAFDAC destroys over N1.367bn worth of substandard goods in FCT

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed fake and substandard goods worth over N1.367 billion in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

The destroyed items include drugs, chemicals, cosmetics, and food products confiscated during enforcement operations in the FCT and environs, as well as expired and unwholesome products.

Some of the destroyed items were submitted to NAFDAC by some non-governmental organisations and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN).

Performing the exercise at the Kuje dumpsite in Abuja, Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, explained that the operation was part of NAFDAC’s efforts to uphold its mandate of protecting the health of Nigerians while maintaining the integrity of the nation’s supply chain.

Represented by her Special Assistant, Dr Festus Ukadike, the NAFDAC boss said, “In 2024, NAFDAC carried out several destruction exercises across the zones, including Investigation and Enforcement, Lagos, where products worth over N120 billion of fake, substandard, and unwholesome food products were destroyed.

‘’Our relentless pursuit of justice against counterfeiting cartels has resulted in the seizure of over 6,000 bags of rebagged rice in the FCT alone. These deceitful cartels’ aim is to exploit and harm the unsuspecting Nigerian populace for economic gain.

“NAFDAC has zero tolerance for such activities and has initiated a thorough investigation to ensure that all involved face appropriate sanctions.”.

The NAFDAC DG further urged the public to report suspicious activities or products to the agency to help curb the spread of counterfeit and substandard goods.

Speaking at the event, the FCT Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Mrs. Salamatu Orakwelu, pledged the commitment of the organisation to working closely with NAFDAC to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and improve public awareness.

“I commend NAFDAC for this step that you’ve been taking annually, and I assure you that as pharmacists, all measures will be taken to ensure compliance and to support your efforts,” she said.

Representative of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mr. Gamagira Isiaku Mohammed, who lauded NAFDAC’s efforts in combating the menace of counterfeit products, noted that inter-agency collaboration remains vital in protecting public health and ensuring consumer safety.

“I believe we will continue to strengthen our collaboration so that Nigeria can grow, and everybody will be healthy in the interest of the country,” he said.

Also present for the exercise were officials from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and security agencies.

Ifeoma Nwovu