The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has successfully destroyed over N11 billion worth of smuggled, expired, and counterfeit drugs in an effort to safeguard the health and well-being of Nigerians. The destruction exercise, which was held today in Abuja, was part of the Agency’s ongoing commitment to combat the distribution of illegal, unsafe, and substandard drugs in the country.
In a statement delivered during the event, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized the Agency’s zero-tolerance stance on the smuggling and circulation of counterfeit and expired pharmaceuticals. "These dangerous products pose significant health risks to Nigerians and undermine the integrity of our healthcare system," she said.
The items destroyed included over 20 million units of medicines, ranging from antibiotics, painkillers, anti-malaria drugs, and other pharmaceutical products that were either expired or smuggled into the country without proper regulatory oversight.
"Smuggling and the trade in counterfeit drugs not only threaten the health of individuals but also create opportunities for harmful practices to thrive," Prof. Adeyeye continued. "Through actions like these, NAFDAC remains resolute in its mission to ensure that all drugs and food products consumed by Nigerians meet the highest safety and quality standards."
The destroyed items, which were seized from various ports and storage facilities across the nation, represent a significant victory in the fight against drug-related crimes. The agency has vowed to continue strengthening its surveillance systems, collaborating with other law enforcement agencies, and raising public awareness to reduce the proliferation of harmful drugs.
In addition to the destruction exercise, NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to public education on how to identify counterfeit drugs and urged Nigerians to report any suspected illegal drug activities to the appropriate authorities.