The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, in an effort to eliminate fake and adulterated drugs in Nigerian markets has destroyed over one hundred trucks of expired, fake, substandard drugs.
The unwholesome regulated products, estimated to worth over a trillion Naira, in separate exercises were carried out in Onitsha, Anambra State, and Aba, Abia State.
Speaking ahead of the destruction exercise, NAFDAC Director General, Prof Moji Adeyeye, said the seized items were collected during a one-month sensitization and enforcement campaign across various shops in the two major commercial hubs.
Adeyeye noted that the destruction of the expired and counterfeit drugs was a vital measure to prevent their possible re-entry into the Nigerian market. She reaffirm NAFDAC’s commitment to protecting public health by ensuring that only genuine medicines and quality food products are allowed into circulation within the country.
The DG, who described drug counterfeiting as an act of economic sabotage and a major threat to public health, emphasized the agency’s resolve to intensify its regulatory enforcement in order to curb the menace.
Adeyeye also expressed appreciation to security agencies and the media. She also particularly commended the Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, and the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti. She praised them for their sustained support in the agency’s ongoing campaign against fake and substandard drugs.
The DG was represented at the burning exercise by the Director of NAFDAC South East Zone, Dr Martins Iluyomade.
The burning exercise took place at the Anambra State Waste Management Authority, ASWAMA, dumpsite at Akwa on Friday.