The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intercepted a significant shipment of substandard and falsified pharmaceutical products and tomato paste at the Onne Port in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The agency, in a collaborative effort with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), seized 15 containers of these illicit goods, estimated to have a street value of N20.5 billion. This seizure represents a major victory in NAFDAC’s ongoing battle against the influx of dangerous and unregulated products into the Nigerian market. The operation underscores the critical role of inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding public health and protecting consumers from the harmful effects of counterfeit and substandard goods.
The confiscated goods included a staggering 1.3 million bottles of codeine syrup, a highly controlled prescription medication frequently abused for its opioid properties. Also seized were 12.6 million tablets of Tramadol, another potent prescription painkiller known for its addictive potential. The consignment also contained 9.3 million tablets of substandard and falsified Diclofenac, a commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The presence of these falsified and substandard medications poses a serious threat to public health, as their efficacy and safety cannot be guaranteed. The consumption of such medications could lead to adverse reactions, treatment failure, and potentially life-threatening consequences.
Beyond the pharmaceutical products, NAFDAC also seized 280 packages of Hyergra tablets, a counterfeit version of Sildenafil Citrate, a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. The presence of counterfeit medications like Hyergra further highlights the dangers posed by these illicit products, as they may contain unknown ingredients or incorrect dosages, posing significant risks to consumers. Additionally, four containers of unregistered and substandard tomato paste were also intercepted. The consumption of substandard food products can lead to a range of health issues, from mild gastrointestinal problems to serious long-term health complications.
NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, commended the Comptroller-General of Customs and his team for their crucial role in this successful operation. She emphasized the agency’s unwavering commitment to combatting the importation of illicit and substandard products, despite facing threats and intimidation tactics. Professor Adeyeye’s statement serves as a strong message to those involved in the illegal trade of these products that NAFDAC remains resolute in its efforts to protect the health and safety of Nigerians. This inter-agency collaboration demonstrates the effectiveness of a united front against this pervasive problem.
Professor Adeyeye also highlighted the serious health risks associated with consuming substandard and expired products. These risks include acute food poisoning, gastrointestinal illnesses, nutritional deficiencies, chronic organ damage, increased cancer risk, allergic reactions, and food addiction. She emphasized the importance of public vigilance and encouraged Nigerians to report any suspected cases of fake or substandard products to NAFDAC. This call to action emphasizes the crucial role of citizens in supporting the agency’s efforts and underscores the collective responsibility in safeguarding public health. By fostering a collaborative approach, NAFDAC aims to empower consumers to actively participate in protecting themselves and their communities from the dangers of these illicit goods.
Professor Adeyeye reiterated NAFDAC’s commitment to safeguarding public health and building a safer and healthier nation. She recognized the need for strong institutional partnerships and promised to continue developing new strategies to collaborate with organizations and individuals dedicated to this shared goal. This underlines the understanding that protecting public health is a multifaceted challenge requiring collaborative efforts from various stakeholders. By fostering partnerships and engaging with the public, NAFDAC aims to create a more robust and effective system for combating the trade of substandard and falsified products, ultimately ensuring the well-being of Nigerian citizens.
