NAFDAC Destroys N16bn Worth of Substandard Drugs, Medical Devices

*Seeks speedy passage of counterfeit medical product bill 

Gilbert Ekugbe

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), yesterday, destroyed substandard and falsified drugs, medical devices and other unwholesome regulated products worth over N16 billion.
The Director General, NAFDAC, Prof. Christianah Adeyeye, at the destruction exercise which took place in the Sagamu area of Ogun State, said the move was to demonstrate its commitment to eliminating illicit drugs, unwholesome foods, medical devices, chemicals while also safeguarding the health of the nation.

The Director General represented by the Director, Investigation and Enforcement, NAFDAC Francis Ononiwo, stated that the products being destroyed were unsafe for public consumption, explaining that the products were seized courtesy of its renewed collaboration with manufacturers, importers and distributors.
In her words, “Also up for destruction today are damaged and expired products voluntarily handed over by compliant companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and trade unions, to the agency. The estimated street value of the products planned for destruction is N16 billion.”

However, she commended the National Assembly (NASS) for their support while also soliciting for the speedy passage of the counterfeit medical products bill that would strengthen the agency’s fight against counterfeiting in Nigeria.
She sounded a note of warning to unscrupulous importers and manufacturers of fake drugs, saying that the agency was on top of its game to eradicate fake drugs and other regulated products with no economic value in the country.
“Some other products marked for destruction today are some products that were mopped up from circulation in the course of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate’s raids.

“These include illicit and unregistered pharmaceutical products, such as Codeine syrup, Tafrodol 225mg with active ingredient 7apentado/ Hydrochoride, aphrodisiacs, anti-malaria injections and many other unregistered drugs. Also, included is potassium bromate which is a banned bread improver. Others are contraband imported soaps, banned canned tomato paste, perfumes and body sprays,” she said.
She commended the judiciary for their continued support and called for stiffer sanctions to deter counterfeiters, warning that their activities continue to pose serious threats and danger to the society and consumers of the products.

Also speaking, the Director, South-west Zone, NAFDAC, Mrs. Roseline Ajayi, said the South-west zone plays host to so many industries and stakeholders of NAFDAC regulated products, hence it was not any wonder that the zone was ladened with the full complement of NAFDAC activities including enforcement activities leading to the destruction exercise.

“The essence of this exercise is very crucial to display the transparency with which the agency conducts her activities including enforcement.
“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the Ogun state Government who has collaborated with the agency over the years to achieve this component of the agency’s Mandate,” she urged