Agency Warns Nigerians to Stay Vigilant Against Counterfeit Products
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced the destruction of substandard and counterfeit products valued at over ₦120 billion in the last six months.
In a statement issued on Sunday, December 29, NAFDAC’s Resident Media and Communication Consultant, Sayo Akintola, detailed the agency’s extensive operations between July and December 2024, which spanned across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory.
Among its achievements, NAFDAC destroyed expired and unregistered drugs worth ₦11 billion in Ibadan, Oyo State, on December 11. Earlier in November, the agency seized fake medicines valued at ₦300 million during a raid at Tyre Village within the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos State.
Counterfeit Alcohol and Rice Crackdown
NAFDAC also shut down illicit alcohol packaging centers in Lagos, confiscating items worth ₦2 billion. The centers were reportedly involved in revalidating expired alcoholic beverages for resale.
In Nasarawa State, officers raided the Karu market at the FCT-Nasarawa border, uncovering bags of expired rice being repackaged for sale. Products worth about ₦5 billion were seized. Another ₦5 billion worth of counterfeit rice was confiscated during a similar operation targeting a factory and eight shops in the state.
In Abuja, over 1,600 bags of counterfeit rice were seized from Wuse and Garki markets, adding to the nationwide crackdown.
Commitment to Public Health
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to protecting Nigerians from substandard products, particularly during the festive season.
“We will not rest on our oars until the merchants of death are forced out of operation. The coming year will be tough for people who compromise the quality of medicines and food products in the country,” Adeyeye declared.
She urged Nigerians to buy only NAFDAC-approved products from reputable retailers, cautioning against discounted or tax-evading goods, which are often counterfeit.
“During this festive period, we advise Nigerians to be cautious and ensure they purchase NAFDAC-registered drinks and products. Suspiciously low prices or missing liquor tax stamps are warning signs of counterfeit goods,” she warned.
Encouragement to Report Suspicious Products
The agency also appealed to the public and healthcare professionals to report any suspected substandard or falsified products to NAFDAC offices nationwide.
“Together, we can ensure the safety of all Nigerians,” the statement concluded, emphasizing the importance of collective vigilance in combating counterfeit goods.
