The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has pledged to intensify its efforts against substandard and falsified medicines, as well as unwholesome food products, in 2025.
In her New Year message, the Director General (DG), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reassured the public that robust measures have been implemented to safeguard the health of Nigerians during and after the festive season.
Adeyeye highlighted recent enforcement actions across the country, which led to the apprehension of manufacturers and merchants of fake drugs and unwholesome foods, with products worth billions of Naira confiscated in the last three months.
“On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, the Agency destroyed expired, unregistered drugs worth ₦11 billion in Ibadan, Oyo State,” she said.
The DG also noted that the Agency seized N300m worth of fake medicines during a raid of Tyre Village, Trade Fair Complex, Lagos State, and burst counterfeit alcohol packaging centers, seizing items worth N₦2billion in Lagos.
Adeyeye urged consumers to be vigilant and cautious about the packaged food and drugs they purchase during the Yuletide season and beyond.
Her words: “NAFDAC wishes to advise that the members of the public should be vigilant during this yuletide season. We are using this medium to appeal to Nigerians to buy only NAFDAC-registered drinks from reputable and licensed retailers, bars, and supermarkets.”
She also advised consumers to scrutinize medicines and branded drinks carefully to distinguish genuine products from counterfeits before consumption.
“If the product is being sold well below its normal price, or doesn’t seem to include normal for taxes on liquors, then it is probably fake. Check for poor quality packaging, spelling mistakes, and unusually shaped bottles,” she submitted.