The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed substandard products, including counterfeit drugs and medical devices, valued at ₦43 billion in Ibadan, Oyo State. The destruction took place on Thursday, September 19, at the Moniya dump site in Akinyele Local Government Area, in the presence of security agencies, representatives from the Oyo State government, and other stakeholders.
Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC’s Director General, represented by Pharm. Shabba Mohammed, Director of Investigation and Enforcement, explained that the counterfeit products were voluntarily surrendered to NAFDAC by compliant companies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and trade unions.
Providing details on the operation, Adeyeye stated that numerous raids across various locations led to the confiscation of both registered and unregistered pharmaceutical products. The seized items included aphrodisiacs, sex enhancement drugs, over-the-counter medications, and prescription-only medications.
“Over thirty different products were seized in total, including banned substances such as codeine and narcotics, with a total value exceeding ₦48 million,” she noted. “NAFDAC has been actively gathering intelligence on the illegal warehousing, sale, and distribution of narcotics by pharmaceutical vendors in Lagos and other states.”
Recent raids by the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate have resulted in the confiscation of products worth over ₦700 million, aimed at targeting the illegal pharmaceutical market.
In addition to counterfeit pharmaceuticals, the operation also included the destruction of contraband items such as unregistered soaps, tomato paste, and counterfeit beverages.
Adeyeye emphasized the importance of public involvement in the fight against counterfeit drugs and unwholesome food products. She urged citizens to report illegal practices to the nearest NAFDAC office for immediate investigation. “By taking these actions, NAFDAC aims to protect public health and safety while promoting compliance within the pharmaceutical industry,” she stated.
