NAFDAC Destroys N1.37bn Fake Food, Drugs, Cosmetics in Abuja

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed counterfeit and substandard food, drugs, and cosmetic products valued at approximately N1.37 billion in a significant operation in Abuja. This routine destruction exercise, which is conducted annually across various zones of the country, aims to remove dangerous and illegal products from circulation, safeguarding public health.

Speaking during the event, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by Dr. Festus Ukadike, a Director in her office, emphasized that the agency conducts such destruction exercises regularly, depending on the volume of seized items. She pointed out that the ultimate goal of these operations is to eliminate expired, unregistered, or falsified products from the market.

“In 2024, NAFDAC made substantial progress, conducting multiple seizures that reflect our dedication to ensuring that unsafe and substandard products are removed from the supply chain,” Prof. Adeyeye said. “In Lagos alone, we destroyed food products valued at over N120 billion, highlighting the scale of the challenges we face.”

Among the seized products were a range of pharmaceuticals, including psychoactive substances, antibiotics, antihypertensives, and antimalarials, many of which were sold by illegal hawkers. Additionally, food items such as cookies, vegetable oil, non-alcoholic beverages, and imported products with foreign labels lacking English translations were destroyed. Cosmetics like skin-lightening creams and lotions, as well as household products such as fake Izal and Jik, were also disposed of.

The items had been confiscated during NAFDAC’s operations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and surrounding areas. Some of the products were voluntarily handed over by compliant companies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). For example, the Association of Community Pharmacy of Nigeria also submitted expired products for destruction.

The total street value of the destroyed products was estimated at N1.37 billion, a staggering amount that underscores the growing concern over the circulation of substandard goods in the Nigerian market. Prof. Adeyeye highlighted that NAFDAC has ramped up its surveillance efforts, working closely with political, traditional, and faith-based leaders, as well as the media and the general public, to foster widespread support for the fight against counterfeit goods.

Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), also commended NAFDAC for its successful operation and reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing regulations under the Renewed Hope agenda. He warned manufacturers, importers, and distributors that non-compliance with established standards would not be tolerated, emphasizing that both NAFDAC and SON are available to guide stakeholders on regulatory compliance.

“The rules are clear, and the guidelines are available. If in doubt, NAFDAC and SON are there to assist,” Okeke said. “By working together, we can ensure a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria for all.”

This recent operation is part of NAFDAC’s ongoing efforts to combat health hazards posed by substandard and falsified products, protecting the public and strengthening the nation’s overall safety and well-being.