Sodiq Ojuroungbe
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has destroyed counterfeit, expired, and unwholesome regulated products in Kano State, with a street value of approximately N985,300,290.00.
The Director General of NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye disclosed that the products, seized from the Northwestern part of the country, were destroyed by fire on the outskirts of Kano metropolitan city.
According to her, the products destroyed include medicines such as antibiotics, antihypertensives, antimalarials, analgesics, herbal remedies, and psychoactive and controlled substances, among others.
Adeyeye noted that removing substandard and falsified medicines from circulation will make Nigerians healthier.
The NAFDAC DG, represented by the Director, Northwest Zone, Mrs Josephine Dayilim, said food items such as vegetable oil, non-alcoholic beverages, sachet water, condiments, and tomato pastes, were also set ablaze.
She added, “And since only a healthy body can contribute positively to the economy, it will make Nigerians wealthier and the economy better
“Others destroyed were cosmetics such as creams, pomade, ointments, and chemicals such as insecticides, pesticides, agrochemicals, etc., as well as medical devices including diagnostic kits and infusion giving sets.”
The DG said the chaotic drug distribution system in Nigeria has been a sore point for drug regulatory agencies, especially NAFDAC.
She stated, “The handling and disposal of NAFDAC wastes, like today’s exercise, is in line with our strategy aimed at eradicating fake drugs and other spurious NAFDAC Regulated Products from circulation in Nigeria.
“The products destroyed represent a grave threat to our communities. They are not mere substandard goods; they are potential instruments of harm that could devastate families and derail our nation’s progress. By destroying these items, we send a clear message: there is no place for counterfeit and unsafe products in Nigeria.”
According to her, NAFDAC’s efforts have extended beyond destruction, as the agency is actively working to strengthen its regulatory framework, enhance surveillance, and collaborate with local and international partners to stem the tide of dangerous goods at their source.
Calling on all Nigerians to join the fight, she urged, “Be vigilant consumers, report suspicious products and support legitimate businesses. Your actions can save lives.”
She warned those involving in trafficking fake and unwholesome products, saying, “To those who persist in trafficking fake and unwholesome products, hear this: We will find you. We will stop you. The full force of the law awaits you.”
Meanwhile, the State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Kasim Ibrahim, highlighted efforts geared towards sanitizing drug distribution in Kano.
He said drug sellers have been relocated from chaotic open markets to a Coordinated Wholesale Centre in Dangwauro, adding that this has paved the way for NAFDAC to record successes in safeguarding the health of Nigerians.
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