By By Ademola Ajao
THE National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has begun the destruction of 80 containers of unwholesome and expired drugs.
The destruction took place on Thursday at the Moniya Dump Site, along Akinyele Road, Ibadan.
Professor Christiana Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General of NAFDAC, said the agency is resolutely committed to ensuring that food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, packaged water, and drinks are safe, wholesome, and effective for human consumption.
“There is no question that drugs are a critical aspect of NAFDAC’s mandate, and we have established strict guidelines governing the licensing, sale, and distribution of drug products,” she said.
The products slated for destruction include expired, counterfeit, controlled, unregistered, and banned drugs, such as Analgin, Cocodamol, codeine cough syrups, Tramadol, Oxytocin, and various types of vaccines.
The estimated street value of these products is fifteen billion naira.
“In some of our recent enforcement activities, a container with 277 cartons of anti-malaria tablets, concealed as diclofenac, was intercepted. The suspect was promptly arrested and will face the full wrath of the law.”
“Also, in one of the military barracks within the Lagos metropolis, a large variety of cosmetic products and packaging materials being manufactured illegally were discovered and confiscated. Other products marked for destruction today include items mopped up from circulation during raids. The destruction of these products will undoubtedly eliminate the risk of their re-entering the Nigerian market.”
The Director of the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate at NAFDAC, Dr Martins Oluyemade, noted that the fight has been ongoing for some time, but has taken a new turn due to the commitment of the current administration.
“Starting from the presidency, there have been specific instructions on what the Ministries of Health should deliver on, and one of these is the reduction in the circulation of fake and substandard medicines and unwholesome foods in Nigeria,” he said.
Dr Oluyemade noted that “part of the health challenges we have in Nigeria involve avoidable issues that could have been handled if they were well taken care of from the beginning.”
Speaking on insecurity, he emphasized that non-kinetic operations are also needed, which is part of what is being done to cut off the supply of dangerous drugs to those who want to use them for illegal purposes.
He reiterated that partnership with other agencies would assist in intercepting and handing over fake and substandard medicines so that they do not reach their intended destinations.
Prof. Adeyeye, concluding her speech, appreciated the collaboration of all the agencies involved.
In her words: “I would like to sincerely and openly appreciate the collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). They handed over twenty-five 40ft containers of pharmaceutical products, including Tramadol 225mg, Artesunate Injection, and CSC Cough syrup with codeine, as well as frozen chicken, which is prohibited. These are among the products being destroyed today.”
“My appreciation also goes to the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and all stakeholders who have united in the fight against substandard and falsified medicines and other unwholesome regulated products.”
“To community leaders, health practitioners, religious leaders, members of the press, and all Nigerians: it is imperative that you educate your families and wards about the dangers of patronising quacks and unauthorized medicine dealers. NAFDAC calls upon everyone to actively participate in this fight. We seek your continued cooperation in providing valuable information to help us prevent and ultimately eradicate the presence of unregistered and dangerous medicines and other violative products from our society. Together, we can protect the health and safety of all Nigerians.”
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