The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has destroyed counterfeit, expired, and substandard products valued at over ₦20 billion in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The exercise, which began on Thursday at the Moniya dumpsite, was part of the agency’s ongoing effort to rid the country of harmful products and safeguard public health.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who was represented by the agency’s Deputy Director, Pharmaceutical Division, Investigation and Enforcement, Apapa, Mrs. Florence Uba, said the destruction exercise would prevent dangerous products from re-entering the market.
She stated, “The products being destroyed include substandard and falsified medical products, unwholesome processed foods, unsafe cosmetics, and other expired items. The total estimated street value of the items is over ₦20 billion.”
Uba noted that the products were seized from manufacturers, importers, and distributors, while some were voluntarily handed over by compliant companies, non-governmental organizations, and trade unions.
She explained, “NAFDAC remains committed to ensuring that the health of Nigerians is protected. We are determined to continue removing dangerous products from circulation and holding offenders accountable.”
The agency also expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Customs Service for handing over more than 25 containers of seized items for destruction.
Uba further called on traditional rulers, community leaders, religious figures, and health professionals to help educate Nigerians about the dangers of buying from unlicensed drug sellers and unregistered outlets.
“We encourage members of the public to report suspicious drug activities. Together, we can protect the health and safety of all Nigerians,” she said.
Representatives from the Nigeria Customs Service, Police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Immigration Service, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, and the Ministry of Health were present during the exercise.
