The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has inaugurated a seven-member task force in Kano State to intensify the fight against fake, counterfeit, and substandard food products and drugs.
The initiative, which was launched on Tuesday, is aimed at strengthening enforcement operations and protecting public health across the state.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described the move as a strategic intervention to address the growing threat of unwholesome regulated products in the market.
Represented by the agency’s Director of the North-West Zone, Kaduna, Fraden Nantim-Mullah, Adeyeye said the task force will function under NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate as part of its federal operational structure.
“Counterfeit drugs and unsafe food products pose serious risks to public health, weaken trust in the healthcare system, and can undermine economic stability if not urgently addressed,” she said.
She noted that Kano’s position as a major commercial hub makes it particularly exposed to the circulation of falsified and substandard goods across both local and regional markets.
According to her, the task force will be responsible for intelligence gathering, surveillance, enforcement operations, seizure of illegal products, arrest of offenders, prosecution support, and public awareness campaigns.
Adeyeye urged members of the committee to carry out their duties with professionalism and integrity in order to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and safeguard lives.
Also speaking at the event, the Secretary to the Kano State Government, Umar Ibrahim, said the establishment of the task force was necessary due to increasing cases of drug abuse and counterfeit products in the state.
He expressed concern over the social impact of drug misuse, especially among young people.
“Recent reports of families seeking rehabilitation for their children highlight the urgency of disrupting the supply chain of fake drugs and unsafe products in our communities,” he said.
Ibrahim called for stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities, while warning against interference from individuals or groups who may seek to frustrate enforcement efforts.
He further charged the task force to remain firm and impartial in the discharge of its responsibilities.
In his remarks, the chairman of the task force, Kamilu Mudi-Salisu, pledged the committee’s readiness to confront the menace of fake drugs and unsafe food products.
He also appealed to residents to support the initiative by reporting suspicious activities in their communities.
“We are committed to carrying out raids, seizing illegal products, sealing offending premises, and ensuring prosecution of violators under the law,” he said.
The committee is chaired by Mudi-Salisu, Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Kano State Ministry of Health, while Kasim Ibrahim, Coordinator of the NAFDAC Kano Office, serves as secretary.
