Over 618 tonnes of phony, counterfeit, inferior, and expired regulated goods worth ?10.19 billion were destroyed in Kano on Thursday by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.  

In an attempt to safeguard public health and stop the spread of hazardous goods, a destruction exercise covering illegal medications, food items, cosmetics, agrochemicals, and medical equipment was carried out at the North-West zonal level.  

The Kalibawa Destruction Site on Daura/Danbata Road in Kano State was the location of the event.  Speaking at the function, NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, represented by Mr. Dadi Nantim Mullah, the agency's North-West Zonal Director, called the exercise a historic accomplishment in pharmaceutical control.

“This destruction represents not just enforcement, but a clear message that the era of impunity for those endangering Nigerian lives with fake and substandard products is coming to an end,” Adeyeye said.

Counterfeit medications, anti-malarials, and anti-hypertensives, contaminated food items including vegetable oil and sachet water, dangerous cosmetics, counterfeit agrochemicals, and compromised medical devices were among the goods confiscated, she said.  

Adeyeye emphasized that violators will face harsh legal repercussions and cautioned manufacturers, importers, and distributors engaged in such activities about the strengthened surveillance and enforcement measures of NAFDAC.  

The head of NAFDAC also emphasized Nigeria's recent admission to the International Council for Harmonization and its achievement of the World Health Organization's Maturity Level 3 designation, characterizing them as significant achievements that have increased trust in Nigeria's regulatory framework.

“Our target is WHO Maturity Level 4. With sustained political will and regulatory discipline, this goal is achievable,” she added.

In his remarks, Mullah said the prevalence of unregistered, fake, and counterfeit products had dropped significantly nationwide from about 46 per cent to less than six per cent.

“The large volume of products destroyed today reflects increased enforcement activities and improved effectiveness, not an increase in market prevalence,” he said.

Source