In a sweeping nationwide operation, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down over 11,000 drug shops across Aba, Onitsha, and Idumota, cracking down on the illegal sale of counterfeit and dangerous drugs. The agency also arrested 40 suspects involved in distributing unregistered and harmful medications.
Speaking in Lagos on Saturday, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, revealed that over 77 truckloads of illicit drugs were seized—27 from Idumota, 30 from Onitsha, and over 20 from Aba. She described the discoveries as “mind-blowing,” exposing widespread drug counterfeiting, smuggling, and unsafe storage conditions.
Among the shocking findings were:
- Expired drugs with manipulated expiration dates.
- Banned substances like Tramadol and Analgin.
- Stolen vaccines and antiretroviral drugs meant for free distribution.
- Machines used to alter drug expiry dates, making old stock appear valid until 2028.
- Drugs stored in filthy environments, including toilets and makeshift warehouses.
Adeyeye emphasized that the value of confiscated drugs runs into trillions of naira, warning that NAFDAC’s operation is far from over.
“We Are Protecting Lives, Not Hurting Businesses”
Responding to concerns from traders, she stressed that the agency’s goal is to protect public health, not disrupt commerce.
“We are safeguarding lives, especially our youth, from harmful drugs. People should only buy medicine from licensed pharmacies, not street vendors,” she cautioned.
She further urged the federal government to tighten border security, noting that many of these counterfeit drugs are smuggled into Nigeria.
“Our porous borders make our work more difficult. We need stronger enforcement to stop these dangerous products from flooding our markets.”
NAFDAC has vowed to expand its enforcement nationwide, working with security agencies to ensure compliance.
“This is just the beginning. We won’t stop until Nigeria is free from the menace of fake and substandard drugs,” Adeyeye declared.
