NAFDAC Destroys N1.8bln Worth of Fake, Expired Products in Abuja

By Maryanne Awuya

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Wednesday destroyed fake, expired and substandard products worth N1.8 billion in the Federal Capital Territory, describing the growing circulation of counterfeit products as a serious threat to public health and national security.

The destruction exercise, held in Kuje Area Council, Abuja, formed part of the agency’s intensified crackdown on falsified and unwholesome regulated products across the country.

While speaking at NAFDAC FCT Special Destruction Exercise, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the agency remained committed to protecting Nigerians from harmful products and sanitising the nation’s supply chain.

Represented by the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Iluyomade Martins, Adeyeye said the exercise was aimed at ensuring seized products never return to the market.

She said the proliferation of counterfeit, fake and substandard products had become a national security concern that required urgent and sustained action.

Products destroyed during the exercise included banned sachet alcohol below 200ml, narcotics, antibiotics, antihypertensive and antimalarial drugs, counterfeit sachet milk, skin-lightening creams, herbal snuff, fake insecticides, medical devices and other expired products voluntarily handed over by companies and organisations.

According to NAFDAC, the confiscated items had an estimated street value of N1,855,650,000.

Adeyeye warned counterfeiters and criminal syndicates involved in the illegal trade that the agency would intensify enforcement operations and push for stricter penalties, including asset forfeiture and tougher sanctions.

“This is not just a routine exercise but a strong warning to counterfeiters that their activities will be met with severe consequences. We are strengthening our enforcement strategies to track offenders, seize fake products and prosecute those involved,” she said.

She called on political leaders, traditional rulers, religious organisations, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and the media to support the fight against fake and substandard products.

She also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious products and activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.

She commended the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), NDLEA, NSCDC and other security agencies for supporting the agency’s enforcement operations nationwide.