BY GODWIN OBI
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Saturday destroyed N100 billion worth of substandard drugs in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
The agency said the destruction became necessary to prevent reintroduction of expired, fake, substandard, and falsified drugs into circulation.
Speaking during the destruction of the drugs held at Akinyele dump site, Ibadan, the Director General (DG) of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye said NAFDAC as the lead agency and chair of the Federal Task Force on Fake and Counterfeit Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods is firmly committed to ensuring that food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, packaged water, and drinks are safe, wholesome, and effective for human consumption. According to her, NAFDAC has established stringent guidelines for licensing, selling, and distributing drug products as part of its commitment to ensuring safe and quality medicine.
Adeyeye, who was represented at the event by NAFDAC Director of Narcotics and Controlled Substances, Yedunni Adenuga, said NAFDAC’s recent enforcement activities at the Idumota, Onitsha, Ariara, Ezeuku open drug markets was mind-boggling.
She said: “The discovery of unregistered products, banned products such as Analgin, controlled substances such as Tramadol 225mg amongst others, which are part of the things making our country unsafe in terms of security.
“This operation could not have been made possible without the support of the National Security Adviser (NSA) who graciously approved the use of over 1000 security personnel, including the Military, Police and DSS.
“Today, you are witnessing the destruction of expired, falsified, controlled, unregistered, and banned medicines removed from Idumota Open Drug outlets.
“The estimated street value of these products being destroyed stands at One Hundred Billion Naira (
“During the three-week exercise, several suspects were apprehended. Further investigation is being carried out; those found culpable will be sanctioned.”
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