NAFDAC destroys ₦15bn worth of fake, expired drugs in Ibadan

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed counterfeit, expired, falsified, and unwholesome medical products valued at more than ₦15 billion.

The exercise took place on Wednesday at the Moniya dumpsite in Ibadan, Oyo State.

NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the move was aimed at safeguarding public health by ensuring dangerous products do not find their way back into circulation.

She was represented at the exercise by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director of Investigation and Enforcement.

According to her, the destroyed items included counterfeit and expired medicines, controlled drugs, unregistered products, and banned substances. Among them were Analgin, Co-codamol, codeine-based syrups, Tramadol, Oxytocin, and several expired vaccines—all of which posed serious health risks.

Adeyeye disclosed that one major seizure involved a container falsely declared as diclofenac, but which was filled with anti-malaria drugs—277 cartons containing over 100,000 tablets—intercepted by NAFDAC operatives.

The suspect behind the shipment, she said, had been arrested and would be prosecuted.

She further revealed that the agency also confiscated illegally manufactured cosmetics and packaging materials during a raid on a military barracks in Lagos.

Several of the destroyed products were seized in nationwide operations targeting black-market drug sellers, counterfeiters, and unlicensed distributors.

The NAFDAC boss appealed to Nigerians to avoid patronising unlicensed pharmaceutical outlets and to report suspicious drug activities.

She urged community leaders, health workers, and journalists to join in sensitising the public about the dangers of substandard products.

Adeyeye also commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for handing over more than 25 seized 40-foot containers filled with prohibited products such as Tramadol, Artesunate injections, and frozen poultry.

She acknowledged the support of the police, the Nigerian Army, DSS, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), and other partners in the agency’s ongoing fight against fake drugs.

“The removal and destruction of these products mark another victory in our battle to protect lives and secure the integrity of the nation’s health system,” she said.