The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed counterfeit, substandard, and expired pharmaceutical products worth over ₦1 trillion at the Anambra State Waste Management Authority Dump Site in Agu Awka, Anambra State.
The exercise, which took place on Friday, was overseen by the agency’s Director General, Mojisola Adeyeye, who was represented by the South-East Zonal Director, Dr. Martins Iluyomade. The seized items included banned substances such as Analgin and highly regulated drugs like Tramadol 225mg.
According to Adeyeye, the destroyed products were confiscated from major drug markets, including Onitsha Bridge Head Drug Market (Ogbu-Ogu) and Ekumi/Tenant Road Drug Market in Aba. She stressed that the presence of unregistered and illicit drugs in these markets posed a significant threat to public health and national security.
Addressing journalists before the destruction exercise, the NAFDAC boss reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring that all food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, packaged water, and beverages available in Nigeria are safe for consumption. She described the discovery of massive volumes of fake and dangerous drugs as alarming, emphasizing that such substances contribute to insecurity and public health crises.
Adeyeye revealed that the agency’s enforcement operation lasted from February 10 to March 5, during which over 100 40-foot containers filled with fake drugs were seized. She noted that the sheer volume of the confiscated substances was enough to destabilize the country, further proving the link between illicit drugs and rising insecurity.
“We have reached a turning point in the fight against counterfeit and substandard medicines in Nigeria,” she stated. “This enforcement effort is ongoing, and we will not relent until these harmful products are completely eradicated from circulation. The public can now be assured that the medicines available in the market are safe and effective.”
Adeyeye urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious drug activities, emphasizing that public cooperation was crucial in combating the menace of fake drugs. She also commended the media for amplifying the fight against counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
The Managing Director of the Anambra State Waste Management Authority, Mike Ozoemanam, who represented Governor Chukwuma Soludo, praised NAFDAC’s efforts in sanitizing the pharmaceutical market. He acknowledged the governor’s personal involvement in the crackdown, highlighting the strong correlation between fake drugs and their harmful effects on Nigerian youth.
He assured that Anambra State remains committed to supporting NAFDAC’s operations, reiterating that no banned, contaminated, or counterfeit drugs would be tolerated in the state.
