The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has begun the destruction of counterfeit, substandard, and expired products valued at over ₦20 billion in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The exercise, which took place on Thursday at the Moniya dumpsite, is part of the agency’s ongoing effort to rid the market of unsafe goods that pose serious health risks to Nigerians.
Speaking at the event, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christiana Adeyeye, said the exercise was crucial in ensuring such dangerous items never find their way back into circulation. Adeyeye, represented by Mrs. Florence Uba, Deputy Director of the Pharmaceutical Division, Investigation and Enforcement, Apapa, Lagos, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting public health.
According to her, the items destroyed included falsified and substandard medical products, unwholesome processed foods, unsafe cosmetics, food additives, and other expired goods seized from manufacturers, importers, and distributors.
“Also up for destruction today are damaged and expired products voluntarily handed over by compliant companies, Non-Governmental Organizations, and Trade Unions,” she said, adding that the total street value of the products exceeded ₦20 billion.
Adeyeye urged community leaders, health workers, religious figures, and journalists to join in sensitizing the public against patronizing unregistered drug outlets and illegal sellers. She also called on Nigerians to report suspicious drug activities to NAFDAC to help strengthen the fight against substandard products.
The NAFDAC boss expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for handing over more than 25 containers of confiscated products for destruction. She also commended the Police, the Army, DSS, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, and other stakeholders for their continued support in safeguarding the nation’s health.
“Together, we can protect the health and safety of all Nigerians,” Adeyeye said.
Officials from the NCS, DSS, Police, Immigration Service, and the Ministry of Health were among those present at the destruction exercise.
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