KEY POINTS 

• NAFDAC destroys fake drugs worth N11 billion ($6.88 million) in Oyo.
• Agency urges public support in tackling counterfeit drug menace.
• Destruction exercise aims to safeguard Nigeria’s public health system.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken a firm stand against counterfeit drugs. 

On Wednesday, the agency destroyed smuggled, expired, and fake drugs valued at an estimated ₦10.99 billion ($6.88 million). 

The exercise took place at the Moniya dumpsite in the Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Representing NAFDAC Director General Mojisola Adeyeye, the South-West Zonal Director, Roseline Ajayi, revealed that the destroyed items were collected from five South-West states (excluding Lagos) and Kwara State due to its proximity.

“These destroyed items include expired products that were voluntarily forfeited by those in the drug distribution chain, unregistered and unwholesome products raided from outlets and warehouses, as well as counterfeit imported products smuggled into the country,” Adeyeye said.

The destruction was part of NAFDAC’s broader mission to protect public health, with Adeyeye emphasizing that it sends a strong message to counterfeiters and rogue distributors.

Public health at the heart of NAFDAC’s mission

NAFDAC’s commitment to safeguarding public health is evident in its strategy to tackle fake drugs. 

Beyond destruction, the agency employs a multi-pronged approach that includes product registration, laboratory testing, inspections, and enforcement actions.

Describing the destruction of counterfeit drugs as a vital part of its investigative and enforcement strategy, Adeyeye said, “This exercise is critical for eliminating unwholesome, substandard, and counterfeit products from the market.”

One of the agency’s top priorities is ensuring that confiscated products are never diverted for personal use. 

According to Punch, Adeyeye reassured the public, saying, “This public destruction sends a clear message that these items will not find their way back into the market.”

NAFDAC calls for public support to fight fake drugs

NAFDAC also called on the public to join its fight against counterfeit drugs and support efforts to protect Nigeria’s health sector. 

Adeyeye expressed gratitude to several organizations for their support, including the Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Police, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps.

Furthermore, she urged citizens to stay vigilant and report any cases of fake or substandard drugs. 

“Together, we can keep Nigeria safe and free from unwholesome medicinal and regulated products,” she added.

Also, as part of its mission to protect the health of Nigerians, NAFDAC continues to strengthen its partnerships with regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies.

In addition, the agency aims to ensure that dangerous drugs and unwholesome products are removed from circulation, thereby promoting public safety and reducing the health risks posed by counterfeit products.

The agency’s recent destruction exercise is seen as a significant step toward building a healthier, safer society.

Moreover, by taking counterfeit products off the market, NAFDAC is sending a clear signal to rogue operators that there is no place for fake drugs in Nigeria.