NAFDAC destroys N120 billion value of seized merchandise nationwide in six months
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has revealed that it destroyed over ₦120 billion value of seized merchandise nationwide in six months.
According to NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the operations spanned Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) seizing substandard and falsified medicines, counterfeit meals, and drinks in six months, overlaying October to December 2024.
She disclosed this in her Christmas and New Year messages and urged residents to prioritize security by buying meals and drinks solely from credible shops and avoiding merchandise with out NAFDAC registration numbers.
Prof. Adeyeye warned that merchandise bought at unusually low costs are sometimes substandard or counterfeit. “When a product is too cheap, it is most likely compromised,” she cautioned.
She additionally disclosed that the company’s officers, notably from the Investigation and Enforcement (I&E) Directorate, would maintain the continued efforts to take away substandard and falsified medicines in addition to unwholesome meals objects from markets nationwide.
In collaboration with the Pharmacovigilance (PV) and Post-Marketing Surveillance (PMS) Directorates, NAFDAC officers are actively on the sector, concentrating on falsified medicines, counterfeit wines and drinks, and different harmful meals merchandise that pose dangers to public well being in the course of the
Nationwide crackdowns and seizures
NAFDAC groups have carried out operations throughout main cities similar to Lagos, Port Harcourt, Aba, Ibadan, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Products value billions of Naira have been confiscated prior to now three months of renewed enforcement efforts.
- Ibadan (December 11, 2024): Expired and unregistered medicine value ₦11 billion have been destroyed.
- Lagos: In November, pretend medicines value ₦300 million have been seized throughout a raid at Tyre Village, Trade Fair Complex.
- Counterfeit alcohol packaging facilities have been dismantled, and objects valued at ₦2 billion have been confiscated.
- Nasarawa State: ₦5 billion value of expired and counterfeit rice was seized at Karu Market.
- On December 19, a manufacturing facility and eight retailers packaging pretend rice, valued at ₦5 billion, have been sealed at Ninjur Ventures on Abacha Road, Karu.
- FCT (Abuja Markets): Over 1,600 luggage of counterfeit rice value about ₦5 billion have been confiscated at Wuse and Garki markets.
- Aba, Abia State (December 16-17, 2024): A two-day operation uncovered large-scale manufacturing and distribution of counterfeit items, together with drinks, carbonated drinks, spirits, vegetable oils, and revalidated meals objects similar to noodles, powdered milk, and yoghurt. The haul was valued at ₦5 billion.
Tougher measures forward
Prof. Adeyeye reiterated that the company wouldn’t relent in its struggle in opposition to what she known as “merchants of death.” She warned that 2025 would convey even harder enforcement actions in opposition to these compromising the standard of medicines and meals.
“The coming year will be tough for the people that prioritize money over the wellbeing of their fellow human beings,” she acknowledged.
Consumer security advisory
NAFDAC suggested Nigerians to scrutinize merchandise rigorously, making certain they’re sourced from respected shops and have NAFDAC registration numbers.
Prof. Adeyeye warned in opposition to shopping for merchandise bought considerably beneath customary market costs, as they’re possible counterfeit.
“We appeal to Nigerians to buy only NAFDAC-registered drinks from licensed retailers, bars, and supermarkets. Poor packaging, spelling errors, and unusual bottle shapes are often red flags,” she famous.
