The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) undertook a significant operation in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health. The agency orchestrated the destruction of a substantial quantity of counterfeit, adulterated, and unregistered food, drug, and cosmetic products, estimated to be worth a staggering N1,367,000,000. This decisive action, carried out at the Kuje dumpsite, underscores NAFDAC’s proactive approach to eliminating harmful products from circulation and protecting Nigerian consumers.
The destruction exercise, a routine operation conducted across various zones of the federation, serves as a critical mechanism for NAFDAC to maintain the integrity of the nation’s food and drug supply chain. Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, emphasized the importance of these operations, stating that they are typically carried out at least annually in each zone, and even more frequently depending on the volume of seized products. This consistent effort reflects NAFDAC’s dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of the Nigerian populace. The magnitude of the Abuja operation reflects the agency’s intensified efforts to combat the proliferation of substandard and falsified products within the FCT.
The sheer volume and diversity of the destroyed items reveal the wide-ranging nature of the challenges NAFDAC confronts. The confiscated products encompassed a broad spectrum, including pharmaceuticals such as psychoactive substances, antibiotics, antihypertensives, antimalarials, and various herbal remedies. Furthermore, the operation targeted counterfeit food items ranging from cookies and vegetable oil to non-alcoholic beverages, many of which were found in supermarkets bearing labels in foreign languages without English translations, violating labeling regulations and potentially endangering consumers. Cosmetic products, including skin-lightening creams and lotions often associated with hazardous ingredients, were also seized from spas and beauty centers, demonstrating the breadth of NAFDAC’s oversight. The destruction even included household products like fake Izal and Jik, and various medical devices, highlighting the agency’s comprehensive approach to consumer protection.
The origins of the destroyed products varied. Some were seized during NAFDAC’s routine surveillance and enforcement activities in the FCT and its environs. Others were voluntarily surrendered by compliant companies and organizations recognizing their responsibility to remove substandard or expired products from the market. This cooperative effort between NAFDAC and responsible entities contributes significantly to maintaining a safe marketplace. Notably, expired and unwholesome products were also voluntarily submitted for destruction by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the Association of Community Pharmacy of Nigeria, further demonstrating the collective effort to safeguard public health. This collaborative approach strengthens the overall impact of NAFDAC’s efforts and fosters a shared responsibility for product safety within the pharmaceutical sector.
NAFDAC’s proactive stance against counterfeiters and unscrupulous actors was evident in the Director-General’s remarks. Professor Adeyeye underscored the agency’s tireless pursuit of justice against cartels involved in the trafficking of substandard and falsified products, highlighting the seizure of over 6,000 bags of rebagged rice in the FCT alone. This incident exemplifies the lengths to which some entities will go to exploit consumers for profit, putting public health at serious risk. NAFDAC’s zero-tolerance policy towards such activities, coupled with its commitment to thorough investigations and appropriate sanctions, sends a strong message to potential offenders and reinforces public trust in the agency’s dedication to consumer protection.
Beyond enforcement, NAFDAC is actively engaging with various stakeholders to enhance public awareness and promote collaborative efforts in combating substandard and falsified products. The agency is reaching out to political, traditional, and faith-based leaders, as well as journalists and the general public, to foster a united front against this threat to national security and public health. This collaborative strategy recognizes the importance of collective action and shared responsibility in tackling the complex issue of counterfeit and substandard products. The support from other agencies, like the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), reinforces the importance of inter-agency cooperation in upholding quality and safety standards in the marketplace. This collaborative environment fosters a more effective and comprehensive approach to consumer protection, ensuring that regulatory efforts are aligned and mutually reinforcing. The involvement of professional organizations, such as the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, further strengthens the combined efforts to ensure compliance and maintain the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain. This collaborative framework underscores the collective commitment to upholding ethical practices and protecting public health.
