NAFDAC destroys fake drugs worth over N1trn in Anambra

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) destroyed counterfeit, substandard, and fake pharmaceutical and other products worth over one trillion naira.

The destruction of the drugs took place on Friday at the Anambra State Waste Management Authority Dump Site, located in Agu Awka, Anambra State.

Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, who led the exercise highlighted that the destroyed products included Analgin and controlled substances like Tramadol 225mg, among others.

Adeyeye, represented by NAFDAC’s South-East Zonal Director, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, explained that the counterfeit and expired drugs had been confiscated from the Onitsha Bridge Head Drug Market (Ogbu-Ogu) and Ekumi/Tenant Road Drug Market in Aba.

Addressing journalists before the destruction, Adeyeye reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to ensuring the safety, effectiveness, and wholesomeness of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, packaged water, and drinks for human consumption.

“We are destroying fake, counterfeit, and illicit drugs that were seized during our one-month enforcement exercise. These products were classified as illicit, expired, and banned,” Adeyeye stated. “The recent discovery of counterfeit and other dangerous products in these major markets is alarming. The presence of unregistered, banned products like Analgin and controlled substances such as Tramadol 225mg highlights the serious security risks these items pose.”

She emphasized that NAFDAC is committed to eliminating substandard drugs from circulation. “We have realized that the time has come to end the circulation of substandard medicines in Nigeria. We have listened to the calls of Nigerians, and we assure them that the medicines currently in the system are safe and fit for consumption.”

Adeyeye stressed the gravity of the situation: “The volume of narcotics and other unapproved medicines we confiscated during this exercise is substantial and could destabilize a country. Research shows a clear correlation between these illicit substances and insecurity.”

The agency reported that more than 100 40-foot containers of fake drugs had been removed from the markets in Onitsha and Aba, with the total value of the destroyed products estimated to exceed one trillion naira. “Millions of lives have been saved by this action,” Adeyeye added.

She also reassured Nigerians that only authentic and effective medicines are now available in the market and encouraged citizens to report suspicious drugs. “If you see something, say something,” she urged.