THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has revealed that counterfeit and substandard goods worth over N120 billion have been destroyed within the last six months across Nigeria.
This was disclosed in an end of New Year message by the agency’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who assured Nigerians of the agency’s commitment to safeguarding their health during the festive season and beyond.
Prof. Adeyeye emphasised the importance of vigilance among consumers, urging Nigerians to purchase food and medicines only from reputable outlets.
She warned against buying products without NAFDAC registration numbers and advised consumers to scrutinize packaging carefully, particularly when products are being sold at unusually low prices.
In recent months, NAFDAC has intensified its efforts to clamp down on the production and distribution of counterfeit goods. In December, the agency destroyed expired and unregistered drugs worth ₦11 billion in Ibadan, Oyo State.
A month earlier, ₦300 million worth of fake medicines were confiscated during a raid at Tyre Village, Trade Fair Complex, Lagos. Similar operations across the country have led to the seizure of counterfeit alcohol worth ₦2 billion, unwholesome food products, and falsified medicines.
The agency also conducted significant enforcement actions in Nasarawa State, where counterfeit rice valued at ₦5 billion was seized and a factory along with eight shops was shut down. In the Federal Capital Territory, operations led to the confiscation of over 1,600 bags of counterfeit rice.
Additionally, large-scale production and distribution of fake and expired goods in Aba, Abia State, resulted in the closure of 150 shops and the seizure of products worth ₦5 billion. Prof. Adeyeye reiterated the agency’s dedication to ensuring the availability of only safe, quality, and wholesome food products for Nigerians.
She warned that the agency would continue its crackdown on merchants of substandard goods, describing them as “merchants of death” who prioritize profit over public health.
In her statement, the DG urged healthcare professionals and consumers to report any suspicious products to the nearest NAFDAC office or via the agency’s helpline.
She assured Nigerians that NAFDAC’s enforcement teams, in collaboration with other directorates, remain on the field to ensure that harmful products are removed from circulation, especially during the high-demand festive period.
