NAFDAC destroys counterfeit, expired products worth over ₦1.8bn in Abuja

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has destroyed counterfeit, substandard, expired, and unwholesome products valued at over ₦1.8 billion at the Kuje dumpsite in the Federal Capital Territory.

The exercise involved the incineration of fake medicines, banned sachet alcohol, expired pharmaceuticals, adulterated chemicals, and other unsafe goods seized across Abuja and nearby areas.

Some of the items were also voluntarily handed over by companies, non-governmental organisations, and the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria.

Speaking during the exercise, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, who was represented by the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, warned that counterfeit drug networks are increasingly using advanced cloning methods to mimic genuine products.

He revealed that the agency recently intercepted several containers of suspicious goods falsely declared at ports in a bid to evade detection, stressing the need for stronger collaboration among regulatory agencies and increased public vigilance.

NAFDAC said the destruction exercise was part of efforts to ensure seized products do not find their way back into circulation.

The agency also reiterated its enforcement of the ban on alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml, warning that traders found violating the directive would face sanctions and possible prosecution.

It urged Nigerians to avoid purchasing unusually cheap medicines and other regulated products, and to report suspicious activities to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its call centre.