The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has successfully destroyed counterfeit pharmaceutical products and other substandard items worth an estimated N100 billion at the Moniya dump site in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday.
During the destruction, NAFDAC’s Director General, Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the Director of Narcotics, Yedunni Adenuga, highlighted that the confiscated products included illicit substances such as Analgin and Tramadol 225mg, as well as other unregistered and banned items.
Adeyeye reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to ensuring that all food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, and packaged water are safe and effective for human use. She pointed out that the counterfeit and expired products had been seized in recent raids conducted across three major markets in the country.
“The scale of this discovery in markets like Idumota, Onitsha, Ariara, and Ezeuku is alarming,” Adeyeye said. “These counterfeit products and controlled substances such as Tramadol are contributing to the insecurity in our country.”
The destruction of the counterfeit products, which were seized in an extensive enforcement operation involving over 1,000 security personnel—including the Military, Police, and Department of State Services—took place under the guidance of National Security Advisor, Nuhu Ribadu. The total street value of the destroyed goods is estimated at a staggering N100 billion.
Shaba Mohammed, the Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, added that the agency had carried out raids in three key markets. He emphasized that selling drugs in open markets is illegal and punishable by law, noting that it is equally unlawful for individuals to hawk drugs in vehicles, kiosks, and other public spaces.
“Selling drugs in open markets is a criminal offense, and those involved will be prosecuted,” Mohammed warned.
The recent operation has led to several arrests, with investigations ongoing. Those found guilty will face legal consequences, as NAFDAC continues its fight against illegal drugs and substandard products endangering public health and safety in Nigeria.
