The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has revealed that it has destroyed counterfeit and unsafe products valued at over ₦120 billion across the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over the past six months.
In a statement released on Sunday, NAFDAC detailed its intensified operations targeting the sale and distribution of fake drugs, substandard food items, and counterfeit beverages. The agency disclosed that its enforcement teams have conducted extensive raids in cities such as Lagos, Port Harcourt, Aba, Ibadan, Kaduna, and Abuja, apprehending manufacturers and traders involved in these illegal activities.
“Officials from the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate (I&E), Pharmacovigilance Directorate (PV), and Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate (PMS) are actively combing the markets to mop up falsified medicines, adulterated beverages, and unsafe food products, especially during the festive season when such items pose increased health risks,” the statement read.
Among the agency’s significant achievements, it reported the destruction of unregistered and expired drugs worth ₦11 billion in Ibadan, Oyo State, on December 11, 2024. In another major bust, ₦300 million worth of fake medicines were seized during a raid at the Tyre Village, Trade Fair Complex in Lagos State, in November. The same month, counterfeit alcohol packaging centres in Lagos were shut down, with confiscated items valued at ₦2 billion.
In the FCT, a raid on Karu Market, situated near the border with Nasarawa State, led to the seizure of repackaged expired rice and other unwholesome food items worth approximately ₦5 billion. The operation, spearheaded by the FCT Directorate led by Mr. Kenneth Azikiwe, highlighted NAFDAC’s zero tolerance for the circulation of unsafe consumables.
NAFDAC has reiterated its commitment to protecting public health and ensuring a safer marketplace. The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or products to support its efforts in curbing the menace of counterfeit goods.
