NAFDAC Evacuates Contaminated Drug, Foods to Curb Disease Outbreak in Maiduguri

Ayodeji Ake

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has successfully conducted a comprehensive mop-up operation across several key markets in Maiduguri, Borno State.

This initiative was aimed at removing drugs and food items contaminated by the recent floodwater to prevent their re-introduction into sales as part of market control strategy, thereby preventing possible outbreak of diseases.

The mop-up operation took place at the following locations-Gamboru Drug and Food Market, Monday Market, Open Air, Theatre Drug Market, Gwange Drug Market.

The Director of NAFDAC Northeast, Mr. Kenneth Azikiwe, stated that the recent floods have posed a significant risk to public health by contaminating food and drug supplies. “Our swift action in these markets is crucial to ensure that only safe and uncontaminated products are available to the public,” he said.

During the operation, directed by the Director-General of the agency, Prof Christianah Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC officials drawn from Borno, Yobe, Gombe and the NAFDAC area laboratory meticulously inspected and removed all compromised items (food and drugs) valued at over N5 billion.

The agency also provided guidelines to market vendors and the public on how to identify and handle potentially contaminated products in the future.

Furthermore, all manufacturing facilities engaged in the production of regulated products located within the flood affected areas have been closed down to allow for GMP reassessment before production will begin again.

NAFDAC will continue with the surveillance and monitoring to cover all parts of Maiduguri metropolis not covered in this operation.

It remains committed to safeguarding the health of Nigerians by ensuring that all food and drug products meet the highest standards of safety and quality.

Through rigorous inspections, testing, and public education, NAFDAC works to protect the health and well-being of all Nigerians.  The agency urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or compromised products to the nearest NAFDAC office.