The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) destroyed counterfeit drugs at the Moniya dump site in Akinyele Local Government Area, Oyo State.
NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, revealed that the counterfeit drugs, valued at one hundred billion Naira, were seized from pharmaceutical drug marketers in the Idumota market in Lagos.
She explained that the destruction was essential to prevent the reentry of expired, fake, substandard, and counterfeit drugs into circulation.
Speaking during the burning exercise, Adeyeye emphasized NAFDAC’s commitment to ensuring the safety and quality of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, packaged water, and beverages. As the lead agency and chair of the Federal Task Force on Fake and Counterfeit Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods, NAFDAC is dedicated to making sure these products are safe for human consumption.
She also highlighted that NAFDAC has set strict guidelines for the licensing, sale, and distribution of drug products to guarantee their safety and quality.
Represented by NAFDAC’s Director of Narcotics and Controlled Substances, Yedunni Adenuga, Adeyeye discussed NAFDAC’s recent enforcement efforts in the Idumota, Onitsha, Ariara, and Ezeuku open drug markets. She noted the alarming findings of unregistered and banned products, such as Analgin and controlled substances like Tramadol 225mg, which contribute to insecurity in the country.
“This operation would not have been possible without the support of the NSA, who approved the deployment of over 1,000 security personnel, including the Military, Police, and DSS,” Adeyeye stated.
She also mentioned that the estimated street value of the counterfeit products being destroyed amounted to one hundred billion Naira (₦100,000,000,000). Several suspects were arrested during the three-week operation, and further investigations are ongoing. Those found guilty will face sanctions.
Adeyeye reiterated NAFDAC’s dedication to improving maternal and child care, as evidenced by the evacuation of large quantities of improperly stored vaccines and products during the operation.
Finally, she appealed to the public, community leaders, health professionals, religious groups, and the media for their support in the fight against counterfeit medicines, emphasizing that NAFDAC cannot tackle this issue alone—it is a collective responsibility.
