The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed expired, substandard, and falsified medicines worth N100 billion in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The agency stated that the move was necessary to prevent the reintroduction of unsafe drugs into circulation. The destruction exercise took place at the Akinyele dump site in Ibadan.
NAFDAC’s Commitment to Public Safety
Speaking at the event, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring that food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, packaged water, and beverages remain safe and effective for public consumption.
Represented by NAFDAC Director of Narcotics and Controlled Substances, Yedunni Adenuga, Adeyeye highlighted recent enforcement activities at major open drug markets, including Idumota, Onitsha, Ariaria, and Ezeuku. These operations uncovered banned and unregistered drugs, such as Analgin and Tramadol 225mg, which pose serious risks to public health and security.
Security Collaboration and Enforcement Actions
Adeyeye acknowledged the support of the National Security Adviser (NSA), who approved the deployment of over 1,000 security personnel, including the military, police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), to aid the crackdown on counterfeit drugs.
She revealed that during the three-week operation, multiple suspects were apprehended, and investigations are ongoing to sanction those found guilty.
Call for Public Support
Adeyeye urged community leaders, health practitioners, religious figures, and the press to assist in the fight against fake drugs.
“NAFDAC cannot do this alone; it is a collective fight. We seek your cooperation in reporting the sale and distribution of unregistered and dangerous medicines to help eradicate them from society,” she said.
She also commended the collaboration between NAFDAC, the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other stakeholders in the battle against counterfeit drugs.
